Moment to remember for Laura Pearson at Royal Ascot with Lola Showgirl
And also first Royal meeting winner for David Loughnane – who makes it a one-two in inaugural running of Kensington Palace.
Laura Pearson marked the inaugural running of the Kensington Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot by leading home a memorable one-two for trainer David Loughnane on Lola Showgirl. Pearson, still a 5lb claimer as she continues her rise to prominence as one of the emerging stars of the weighing room, is just the fourth female jockey to win at the meeting – and the first to do so as an apprentice. She had Lola Showgirl perfectly positioned and stretched clear into the straight – where it soon became apparent that only her stablemate Ffion, ridden by Richard Kingscote, was close enough to mount a meaningful challenge. But Pearson and her willing partner had matters under control, staying on with great determination as the 12-1 winners by three-quarters of a length – for not only her first Royal Ascot success but Shropshire trainer Loughnane’s too, in the new handicap for fillies and mares. Pearson has ridden at Ascot a few times previously, but was making her debut at the showpiece meeting. The 20-year-old said: “I don’t even know what to say. It’s just incredible. I knew she had a chance and was a strong contestant for my first Royal Ascot ride. “I took a break at the end of the all-weather season to protect my 5lb claim for the turf campaign and it’s paid off. “I had an absolutely lovely run, she bowled out, she’s been running over seven (furlongs) but Mr Loughnane said she’d want every stride of the mile. “She bowled out, got into a lovely rhythm and just kept plugging on for me.” She added: “That was my first Royal Ascot ride. I’ve ridden at Ascot about three or four times before this.” “Hollie (Doyle) helps me so much, as well as Hayley (Turner), I can’t thank them enough for the amount of times they’ve given me a hand and it’s paid off. “It’s just unimaginable, honestly, I dreamt of it but I never thought it would happen.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Skelton edges in front of Mullins in epic trainers’ title tussle
Ayr treble sets matters up perfectly ahead of Scottish Grand National day.
-
Ffrench Davis would love to target Chester Cup with Prince Alex
Lambourn trainer delighted with Newbury winner.
-
Derby bid on the agenda for Voyage after belated debut win
Richard Hannon continued his good run of form at Newbury.
-
Skelton relying on Sud missile to strike crucial blow
Scottish Champion Hurdle hope expected to be ‘a very big player’.
-
Mullins looking to hit title rivals for six in Scottish National
Irish maestro bidding to pull clear of Dan Skelton and Paul Nicholls at Ayr.
-
Successful Ayr raid could go a long way to clinching title for Mullins
Patrick: ‘If we can get out ahead, that will be huge’.
-
Hawaiian looks good in keeping up Hannon momentum
Newcomer looks a Royal Ascot type in Newbury victory.
-
Ballymount aiming to be top Boy in Greenham
‘He’s only a length off the highest-rated three-year-old in England in Vandeek’.
-
Classic route could be clearer for Regal Jubilee after Fred Darling test
Gosden-trained filly full of potential, in what looks a smart renewal.