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It's a Miracle: Mark Usher's colt springs a surprise on his longest trip yet

 

Charles Rowley
Thursday 26 September 2013 23:16 BST
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Liam Keniry rides Miracle of Medinah to victory in the Somerville Tattersall Stakes at Newmarket yesterday
Liam Keniry rides Miracle of Medinah to victory in the Somerville Tattersall Stakes at Newmarket yesterday (PA)

Miracle Of Medinah was the surprise winner of the Somerville Tattersall Stakes at Newmarket. The Mark Usher-trained colt made light work of his seven rivals on his first start over seven furlongs.

Named after last year's incredible Ryder Cup turnaround, and coming a day after the America's Cup comeback, the juvenile was on a recovery mission of his own after a couple of moderate outings, but he picked up strongly for Liam Keniry to beat 11-4 favourite Cable Bay by a length and a quarter.

This was his fourth victory, on his eighth start, to win the same race his sire Milk It Mick landed en route to his 33-1 shock Dewhurst win.

"We're used to turning up at Lingfield and Wolverhampton so it's nice to have our day in the sun," said Usher.

"He is a bit of a fairytale as I only paid three grand for him and it's a bit like his sire, really. We might look at the Horris Hill Stakes at Newbury if the ground stays quick and then we will put him away.

"He has been growing all year, so hopefully he'll continue to do so."

Sir Michael Stoute's bold ploy of sending Astonishing out again quickly paid spectacular dividends in the Princess Royal Richard Hambro E.B.F. Stakes.

The 11-4 favourite was second in a mere handicap on the Rowley Mile last Saturday but took her Listed-race rivals to pieces under Ryan Moore, eventually coming seven lengths clear of Songbird.

Stoute said: "We changed things around a bit from the weekend, we dropped her out and put a ring bit on her. She did it very nicely.

"I'm not sure there's anything left for her, she has had two runs in five days, but I'm almost certain the owners will keep her in training. She's still an unfurnished filly."

Caucus lived up his pre-race favourite tag by recording back-to-back victories in the Jockey Club Rose Bowl as William Buick wore down the three-year-old Statutory.

"He ran well in the Lonsdale and it's nice to see him win this again," said trainer John Gosden.

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