The Rider caused the biggest surprise in the history of Norfolk Staking (G2) on June 16 at Royal Ascot when he overcame the 50-1 winner of the minors competition before surviving the investigation by the managed to hold the prize for coach Richard Fahey and driver Paul Hanagan, who was subsequently banned for 10 days for careless driving.
Fahey recently announced that Hanagan will no longer be riding the first racehorse for the field, with Oisin Orr taking over, but The Ridler has provided the association with a timely reminder of all of his previous success. surname, including when Perfect power won the same race last year.
Walbank Strongly supported in the market for the award, but The Ridler himself without friends ultimately ended up front where it matters, though not without controversy.
As the race progressed towards the course stands, The Ridler was asked for his effort by Hanagan on the far end of the group, the jockey wielding a whip in his right hand as his horse whirled wildly past. left racetrack. .
Movement is severely impeded Crispy cat and Brave nationwho were challenging the leadership of Walbank, with The Ridler finally knocking out and defeating Hanagan, who was riding the sixth winner at the meeting.
“It’s still very green and immature,” says Hanagan, a point highlighted by the young’s stubborn behavior in the paddock and at the stalls.
“I always feel clear,” he continued. “I don’t think they have to stop the race, that’s the impression I get. There are so many emotions going through me at this minute. I’m so happy to ride Richard and these winning owners, so I will enjoy this moment.
“It’s a great place to come to have so much confidence but I think 50-1 is unfair. I came here not with confidence but not without chance.”
He added: “I think the past few weeks have been tough and I think my family will vouch for that. But it goes on and on and on. It’s something for families. The boys now. a little bit older now and they can appreciate what’s going on. They ask, ‘Did anyone win today, Dad?’ and I can say, ‘Yes, a Royal Ascot winner.’ “
An investigation was called in by the managers after the race, but after viewing the video evidence, it was decided that the winner’s stubbornness had not improved his finish. The connections of the placed horses are said to be dissatisfied with the outcome of the race.
Owned by Steve Bradley, The Ridler replaces 1997 winner Tippitt Boy, who scored 33-1, becoming the longest-running winner of the Norfolk Stakes, an event Breeders’ Cup Challenge awarded to winner of an automatic berth in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Keeneland This waterfall.
