3 minute read
Marcret (13-2) came down the near side of the course to claim the Betfair Huxley Stakes at Chester.
The Group Three heat was a personal success for locally-based owner Dr Marwan Koukash as his colours were also carried by the runner-up Myplacelater.
Marco Botti's Marcret, formerly trained by his brother Stefano in Italy, landed the spoils as he handled the conditions in tremendous style with Ryan Moore bringing him wide to make a winning challenge.
Questioning made the running until the straight where he was swamped by his rivals. Wigmore Hall looked dangerous but could not maintain his bid on the ground and it was the Richard Fahey-trained Myplacelater who put down a late bid and she was only half a length down at the line.
Koukash is a huge supporter of Chester and Botti was thrilled to saddle a second winner of the meeting for the owner.
He said: "I'm absolutely delighted. The owner bought this horse last week. He was in the sales but we pulled him out. Marwan had the first and second too, so I think he's over the moon.
"The owner made it clear this was the place where he would like to have a winner, so this was the plan.
"He's been a consistent horse. I was a bit concerned about the softer ground as he has been running on firmer ground in Dubai, but Ryan was always happy about where he was during the race. He seemed to handle it well and he picked up well off a slow pace."