Sapa Inca rules for Johnston and Turner at Bath

Bath

Shergar Cup winner bags Listed prize

Sapa Inca came from last to first to take Listed honours in the British Stallion Studs EBF Beckford Stakes at Bath.

Hayley Turner’s patience on the Mark Johnston-trained three-year-old paid off as she stormed clear of the opposition in the final furlong to beat Hulcote by a length and three-quarters, with Dance Legend a head away in third.

Lorelina took the field along at a steady pace from Vindolanda and Bongiorno close up, with Sapa Inca and the Willie Mullins-trained 6-4 favourite Diamond Hill bringing up the rear.

There were plenty in with chances in the final quarter-mile, but Sapa Inca produced the best turn of foot to give Johnston his 234th winner of the year, just one short of the record shared by Richard Hannon senior and Richard Fahey.

“A great performance and obviously very important for a filly like her,” said the Middleham handler, who was at the sales in Newmarket.

“She’s obviously very progressive at the moment and is going the right way.

“It depends what the owners want to do with her.

She thoroughly deserved that Listed win and the black type, so it’s good to have it in the bag.”

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