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Rumstar keeps Portman’s perfect Cornwallis record intact

3 minute read

Rumstar provided his trainer Jonathan Portman with a third winner from as many runners in the Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project Cornwallis Stakes at Newmarket.

The Upper Lambourn handler claimed the Group Three prize twice in three years with Royal Razalma (2014) and Mrs Danvers (2016), and Rumstar was an 8-1 shot to add his name to the roll of honour.

A winner at Bath and Goodwood earlier in the season, and fourth in the Sirenia Stakes at Kempton last month, the Havana Grey colt was given a patient ride by Rob Hornby as 7-4 favourite Prince Of Pillo attempted to make nearly every yard of the running.

He was unable to resist the challenge of fellow Middleham Park-racing owned runner Maylandsea, before Rumstar finished with a flourish to beat them both.

Portman said: "I've had this race in mind for a long time. I do like the race – I've only had two runners in the race before and they both won.

"He's a smashing little horse and very straightforward. I'm very lucky to have him.

"Everyone was asking why we were dropping back to five (furlongs), but you need to stay here.

"I have a lot of faith in the horse. He's only little, but he's so tough.

"We'll put him away now, I would think. He's not a natural five-furlong horse, but on a track like this you get away with it. He'll definitely go six and if he had to get seven he would."

Portman hopes the victory will be a boost to his yard, adding: "It is important for us to have a winner like this. The big trainers are getting bigger and I think the smaller trainers get overlooked.

"We were just lucky to get this horse. He's homebred and we were lucky the breeder decided to send him to me. You need a bit of luck in this game.

"I hope this has done my profile no harm."

Creative Flair starred in a treble on the card for Charlie Appleby and William Buick with a Group Three triumph in the Newmarket Pony Academy Pride Stakes.

The four-year-old's 8-1 win could prove to be her swansong, with assistant trainer Alex Merriam saying: "I've just spoken to Charlie and he said we'll see what there is, but she's won a Group Two in Dubai and now a Group Three here, so it might be off to the breeding shed now."

Al Nafir led home an Appleby one-two in the bet365 Old Rowley Cup.

The Moulton Paddocks saddled four of the 16 runners in the £120,000 handicap and it was Al Nafir who claimed top honours by a neck under Pat Dobbs, with stablemate Wild Crusade filling the runner-up spot.

The winner is a son of Dubawi out of Irish 1,000 Guineas heroine Nightime and was bought as a foal by Godolphin for €1.2million.

Merriam added: "He ran a nice race here on his first run when he was second to Cash. For whatever reason things haven't worked out for him and it's nice to see him go and do it.

"On his pedigree you're hoping he's going to be a nice one. He's a big horse and he's probably just coming to himself and improving."

Appleby was also on the mark in division one of the Godolphin Under Starters Orders Maiden Fillies' Stakes, with Shamardal filly Dream Of Love justifying 6-4 favouritism on her debut under Buick, whose other winner was provided by the Charlie Hills-trained Pogo in the Group Two Challenge Stakes.

"The second and third fillies had the experience running down into the dip, but when she hit the rising ground she picked up nicely," said Meriam.

"She's still a bit raw, but hopefully there's a bit to work with. I haven't spoken to Charlie, but I'm guessing we'll put her away and look for something early in the spring."

Division two went to Paul and Oliver Cole's newcomer Sumo Sam (12-1), with Rossa Ryan's mount battling back once headed to collar Silvretta by a short head.

Oliver Cole said: "She's a very, very nice filly and I thought she'd win today. She's been overtaken and had to come back. I think if she'd got a lead she would have won easily.

"She's a mile-and-a-half filly for next year. I'll have to talk to my co-trainer to see where we go."


Racing and Sports

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