Windsor double boosts Marquand after English King disappointment

‘All I can do is wish them the best of luck’.

Tom Marquand ended a character building day in perfect fashion after celebrating a double at Windsor, initiated by a debut success for Cairn Gorm in the Free Tips Daily On attheraces.com Maiden Stakes.

Having learned he is to be replaced on Investec Derby favourite English King by Frankie Dettori at Epsom next week, the 22-year-old wasted little time in returning to the winner’s enclosure with victory aboard the Mick Channon-trained Bated Breath colt.

Marquand said on losing the ride in the premier Classic: “It is hard, not keeping a ride like that, but Bjorn (Nielsen, owner) has a great relationship with Frankie and the horse is going in with as good a shout as you could possibly imagine. All you can do is respect the decisions of owners.

“He has been pumping an awful lot of money into racing for many years trying to find a Derby winner and he wants Frankie – who he has joined up with for many successes – on board and I respect that.

“It was all handled extremely well. They called me up, explained it to me and the reasons why. Hopefully I can ride Ed (Walker, trainer) and Bjorn a few more winners on other horses and all I can do is wish them the best of luck.”

Making good headway entering the final quarter-mile of the six-furlong contest, Cairn Gorm (9-4 favourite) picked up well to defeat Imperial Fora by two and a half lengths. A step up in class could be on the cards for the youngster, who was the second juvenile winner this season for the West Ilsley handler Channon.

Jack Channon, assistant to his father, said: “He has done it nicely and picked up well. He has been a professional from the start. He has been so laid-back I knew he would come on a bundle for this as we have not really drilled him.

“Where we go from here, I’m not sure, we could run in another novice or aim him at something nice.”

George Boughey could have a potentially smart filly on his hands in Arctic Victory (28-1), who completed Marquand’s brace with an impressive triumph on her debut in the Sky Sports Racing HD Virgin 535 Median Auction Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.

Back in second was 13-8 market leader Coquette, ridden by Marquand’s partner, Hollie Doyle.

Newmarket handler Boughey said: “I was slightly worried when they went a crawl early doors, but in the end Tom has struggled pulling her up.

“We quietly fancied her, but we were taking on horses from five of the best trainers in the country. Not many Ivawood’s win over a mile and a quarter, but it would be no surprise if she got further. I think she has got a big engine and she has made a beautiful debut.”

Michael Attwater was left kicking himself for failing to back Diligent Lady in the wake of her front-running effort in the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes.

Attwater said of his 13-2 winner: “In her race at Lingfield the Ricahrd Hannon horse (Breakfast Club) carried her out on the bend and she was only beaten a length and three-quarters. Had she been drawn inside she would have probably won.

“With the Breakfast Club having a penalty for that win I thought we were the horse to beat. I couldn’t believe she drifted out to 9-1 at one point. I wish I had a bit on her now – I didn’t have a penny on.”

Badayel and Hollie Doyle following victory at Windsor
Badayel and Hollie Doyle following victory at Windsor (Francesca Altoft)

Doyle had better luck earlier on the card, although Badayel (9-2 joint-favourite) gave trainer Dave Loughnane a few nervous moments before coming from last to first to take the Follow At The Races On Twitter Handicap by a head.

Loughnane said: “I had my heart in my mouth, but you couldn’t have anyone better on board to do the job.

“It has not gone to plan the last twice, but he clearly enjoys the rough and tumble passing horses.”

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