Starman spearheads ‘strong’ Ascot squad for Ed Walker
Trainer hoping for Royal meeting luck in 2021.
Ed Walker feels he is taking his strongest ever team to Royal Ascot next week – headlined by Golden Jubilee hope Starman and live Coronation Stakes contender Primo Bacio. Walker only has one winner at the showpiece meeting to his name – Agrotera in the 2018 Sandringham Stakes – but with leading chances in two of the features races of the week, which are both part of the British Champions Series, as well as a handful of chances in the handicaps, Walker is counting down the hours until it all kicks off on Tuesday. “Every year you build towards Royal Ascot as soon as you start working them. Most years they whittle down through injury or not being good enough – for example last year we had one runner, Swindler, who had to be jogged to post and then wouldn’t go in the stalls,” said Walker.“So many boxes need to be ticked to win any race, but it’s exaggerated at Ascot. “I kind of went off it when I started training as I got so disappointed in being beaten the whole time! I had a couple of favourites early in my career – Riggins, Axiom, Nicholascopernicus – and they all got stuffed, so I thought it was easier to go and win at Windsor on the Monday of Ascot week instead. “Agrotera certainly rejuvenated my enthusiasm for the meeting. Even though it was only a handicap, I probably didn’t appreciate until after how big a deal it was – the eyes of the racing world are upon it.”
🎵 There’s a Starman waiting on the Knavesmire
🏇 Five races🥇 Four wins🏆 G2 Duke Of York Stakes🏆 Listed Garrowby Stakes⭐️ Exciting Starman makes a winning reappearance for @edwalkerracing & @oismurphy at @yorkracecourse pic.twitter.com/Dt3JecyYbo — Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 12, 2021
🚀 What a turn of foot
Primo Bacio shows her rivals a clean pair of heels with an impressive success at @yorkracecourse for @Atzenijockey & @edwalkerracing pic.twitter.com/lyEf1VooSN — Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 14, 2021
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