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All-weather maestro Corinthia Knight rides high for Archie Watson

3 minute read

Corinthia Knight extended his winning streak with victory in the 32Red 3 Year Old All-Weather Championships Conditions Stakes at Lingfield.

Corinthia Knight
Corinthia Knight Picture: Pat Healy Photography

Following successive triumphs at Kempton and Newcastle, Archie Watson's youngster journeyed to France to complete his hat-trick at Chantilly a fortnight ago and was the 5-4 favourite for his latest assignment under Oisin Murphy.

Corinthia Knight took an early lead from Helvetian before quickening away in the final half a furlong to score decisively by half a length.

Lake Volta and Rock On Baileys finished strongly to place second and third respectively.

There was drama further back in the field, with Never Back Down hanging violently off the home bend in the hands of Josephine Gordon and losing all chance.

Murphy said: "I'm thrilled for Archie and his staff. It's a valuable race and he's already a Listed winner.

"He's quite good on turf as well, but he just hasn't run as much on it. He's a nice horse to have and is a flag-bearer for the yard."

Watson said: "He's very straightforward and so tough - he tries so hard.

"I'm delighted for the team at home."

Corinthia Knight is likely to be kept busy as he is poised to revert to turf racing.

Watson said: "He is a very good sprinter and he is getting better.

"I think he has shown us this winter he can win over five or six (furlongs) on a straight track or round a bend, and can do it from sitting handy or with a bit of cover.

"I don't think he needs a break and he thrives off his training.

"We will look towards the turf now and the options will either be the Prix Texanita (Maisons-Laffitte) over in France over five and a half, or the Pavilion at Ascot.

"Then we can make a call if Royal Ascot is the right call for him or if he needs to be going abroad. If we can find races with a turning track, I do think that's his forte."


At The Races

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