The Glen Rovers produced a 33-1 shock to take the Midnite All-Weather Easter Classic Middle Distance Handicap at Newcastle.
With £175,000 on the line, the race attracted a strong field, including Gaucher from Willie Mullins’s yard ridden by champion all-weather jockey Billy Loughnane, who looked to have the race in hand entering the final furlong. Sean D Bowen, the 2024 champion apprentice, remained composed before launching his challenge and prevailing by half a length.
Trained by Lucy Wadham, better known for her jumpers, The Glen Rovers began his career in a bumper. Part-owner Conor Ryan, who works for Charlie Appleby, celebrated a memorable day. Ryan paid tribute to Wadham and the yard, saying the horse had been difficult to train and needed several interventions but had finally come together this season. He added that the team had done a fantastic job, the trip suited the horse, and the winner had previously won at Newcastle. Bowen noted the horse is “top heavy” and takes a few runs to hit form, praised the team and Conor, and said getting cover from a wide draw made the difference.
In the BetMGM All-Weather Championships Mile Handicap at Newcastle, Tyrrhenian Sea, an eight-year-old who has been a mainstay on artificial surfaces, delivered a scintillating turn of foot to avenge a previous defeat by Chancellor. Since debuting at Gosforth Park in December 2021, 17 of his 24 starts have been on the all-weather for trainer Roger Varian. He has two Listed wins and had finished second to Chancellor in the Tandridge Stakes when trying to defend that title. Racing off 3lb better this time, Tyrrhenian Sea won by a length and a quarter from Blue Rc.
Jockey Jack Mitchell, who has ridden him more than anyone else, said the horse holds a special place for him and that, despite being eight, he expected the horse to be at his best to beat younger rivals. Mitchell described navigating from a wide draw, following Rab Havlin on Chancellor, and finding his momentum to pick up well. Varian and his team debated whether to run in this race or the Easter Classic; they opted for this tougher heat and, with the weight adjustment, the decision paid off. Mitchell added that as long as Tyrrhenian Sea is fit and healthy, he should return next year.
Andrew Balding’s Stateira justified favouritism to win the BetMGM Fillies’ and Mares’ Championships Handicap, going off 11-8. Having impressed at the trials meeting 72 days earlier, connections targeted the £150,000 final and were rewarded. Oisin Murphy, who rode her, said he was mindful of dealing with a headwind and settled her well; she relaxed before quickening when asked and looks in good form and health, possibly ready for black-type company.
In the Midnite All-Weather Sprint Handicap, William Haggas’s Wiltshire, who had been a slow starter in the past, broke well and produced a smooth run under Cieren Fallon to follow the early leader through and draw clear to win by a length at 7-1. Maureen Haggas, William’s wife and assistant, explained the horse finally had a wind operation and, combined with a tongue tie, seemed happier. She said he had a trapped epiglottis that had affected him and that today’s performance should give him confidence; Fallon’s calm ride and an improved jump helped.