Soumillon steers Carrytheone to Balmoral prize

French rider pleased to secure handicap win on high-profile Ascot card.

Carrytheone shone at Ascot to the take Balmoral Handicap as Qipco British Champions Day came to a close.

Michael Bell’s 14-1 shot was ridden by Christophe Soumillon and came into the race with a good record in handicaps at the track, including finishing third in the Buckingham Palace Stakes in June.

From stall five, the gelding was kept out of trouble as the race developed and two furlongs from home he began to progress to take up the lead.

After hitting the front he was not for catching and secured a two-length victory over Julie Camacho’s 18-1 chance Lattam.

Nick Bell, the trainer’s son and assistant, said: “He’s been threatening to win a big pot all year.

“He was unlucky at the Royal meeting, he’s obviously a horse who needs riding like that and today it unfolded beautifully.

“Christophe gave him a great ride, he produced him last. The horse is dead genuine, he just hasn’t had the breaks all year – that might be a bit harsh considering he’s won twice.

“He’s been a fantastic horse to have around all year and that is a lovely way to end the year.”

Soumillon added: “He didn’t jump so good so I was last in the first part of the race and I wanted to make sure I wasn’t going to be unlucky in the race again. So I brought him out, coming to the stands’ side.

“He made a great effort because it’s not easy to come out so early and when I hit the front, he kept going until the end, so he is a very generous horse. I was just hoping he didn’t give up in the last furlong because the ground is very deep today.

“The good thing was I had him really relaxed in the first part of the race. It is always very difficult to win this kind of race and I finished with a good win on a big day.”

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