3 minute read

Andrew Balding trained the four-year-old Mount Nelson filly Elbereth owned and bred by David Taylor has won the Investment Wealth & Management Stakes at 16/1.

Balding said: "The winner's circle at Epsom is a wonderful place. We always try and target the handicaps if we think we have something that is good enough.

"It was some ride for a first ride around Epsom by Edward [Greatrex, the winning 7lb apprentice]. He is strong and he uses the stick in both hands, which I think is important. That's what sort of fast-tracked him little bit - on his first ride for me, he switched it through and you know that they are capable then.

"He is very like Oisin [Murphy]. He rides in a similar style and that was a pretty cool performance. He is strong and light, which is a big help.

"Elbereth ran well enough at Brighton [where she finished second to Tears Of The Sun on May 5] to suggest she would run well here. No real target - she will probably stay a bit further, and hopefully by the end of the year might get a bit of black type."

Taylor said: "It's such a wonderful experience and I wanted to take the opportunity to lead her in. I doubt whether we will ever get here with a Derby winner but this will do.

"I have been following racing for years and years - Brigadier Gerard and Mill Reef, way back then. I was fortunate enough to ride out at John Webber's yard many years ago and he gave me a ride in a race and that stimulated my interest."