3 minute read
Canadian star Emma-Jayne Wilson secured a second victory for the Girls team as Missed Call (7-1) just held on in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge at Ascot.
Wilson, who had two winners at the meeting last year, took up a perfect position on the inside rail in the early exchanges as Innocent Touch and Dark Ruler set the early gallop.
The front runners' efforts told turning in to the straight though, and there were plenty in behind primed to challenge, not least the James Fanshawe-trained Missed Call.
Wilson pushed on for home but she looked like being denied as Elbereth tried to swoop late for Graham Lee, but Missed Call just edged it by a short head at the line.
Barwick, partnered by Yutaka Take claimed third.
"That's fantastic," said Wilson.
"The boss said he had one short run so I got up the inside of Pat Smullen and I was on the steel right to the wire.
"I had no idea if I'd won, I knew it was close."
Wilson's win followed the victory for Sammy-Jo Bell on Royal Signaller in the stayers' event.
Wilson went on: "I got a beautiful inside draw and travelled so handy.
"The breakaway rail, which we don't have back home, gives you more chance.
"We travelled nice and I really went for it in the last eighth or so.
"It was nice to hear the crowd cheering as I didn't know if I'd won or not and it was much appreciated."
Halation came from last to first to win the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile for Jamie Spencer and the Great Britain and Ireland team.
Owned by Spencer's former retainer Qatar Racing, Halation (5-1) had the unfavoured outside draw and Spencer opted to settle at the back of the field and bide his time through the early stages.
He could be noted making progress as the race began in earnest and Spencer eventually produced his mount between horses inside the final furlong to run out a half-length winner over Earth Drummer with Bancnuanaheireann back in third.
"I rode him to try and beat the draw but so did Blake Shinn on his horse (Bancnuanaheireann) so I decided to take him back and take my medicine," said Spencer.
"When he got near the front he pricked both his ears."
Simcock said: "I'm very pleased for the horse as he's been knocking on the door in some big handicaps."
