3 minute read

Poptronic proved a tough nut to crack when producing a battling performance off the front to give jockey Sam James a first Group 1 victory in the British Champions Fillies’ and Mares Stakes.

It paid to be prominent in the opening to contests on the card and that tactic proved fruitful once more with Poptronic making virtually every inch of the running over the mile-and-a-half trip on Ascot's Inner Course.

The daughter of Nathaniel finished well-beaten when ninth in the Group 1 Qatar Prix de Royallieu at Longchamp three weeks ago but looked a different prospect on soft ground at the Berkshire track this afternoon.

The Karl Burke-trained filly looked to be racing keen enough out in front under Sam James but to her credit, as the challengers queued up to mount their bids, she kept on digging deep, repelling them one by one.

The chasing pack closed but could never quite get on terms with the 22/1 chance, who had a neck to spare over her nearest pursuer Bluestocking (6/1) crossing the line.

Jackie Oh (3/1 favourite) finished back in third.

It wasn't to be for Dettori once more as his run on Free Wind petered out after the pair weaved their way through to pack into a threatening position.

Sam James, who was recording his first success at the highest level, told ITV Racing: "You work hard. When things don't come straightaway you can get a bit disheartened but when you're riding for decent trainers, especially people like Karl Burke, those Group 1s are always going to come.

"We weren't sure whether she would like the ground, but she always gallops. She was a bit keen for the first furlong or so but when I got her settled in front, I managed to get a breather into her, a couple of breathers coming up the hill, and to be fair to her I knew going past the three I had a good chance.

"It didn't go right for us in France, she got a bit hot. A great training performance by Karl to bring her back, she's not the easiest, but Kelly does a great job as well, she rides her every day and keeps her quiet."