3 minute read
My Silver Lining displayed guts and determination when fending off Galia Des Liteaux in a thrilling finish to the Wigley Group Classic Handicap Chase at Warwick.
Stamina was always going to come to the fore at the end of the three-mile-five-furlong handicap chase, especially with conditions being officially described as soft.
The Laura Morgan-trained Percussion took up the running at the fifteenth fence but all the while the eyes were drawn to two mares, Galia Des Liteaux and My Silver Lining, who both set down to fight it out down the straight.
Emma Lavelle's grey My Silver Lining held a near three-length advantage jumping the last but with the Dan Skelton team already having enjoyed six winners throughout the afternoon, it was impossible to discount Galia Des Liteaux.
However, as hard as she may try, she was never quite able to bridge the gap and My Silver Lining continued to pull out more, eventually scoring by three-quarters of a length to land the valuable prize at odds of 17/2.
My Silver Lining, owned by winning rider James Best's mother-in-law Celia Djivanovic, ensured the jockey enjoyed what he described as the best day of his career.
He said: "Emma, Barry (Fenton, assistant trainer) and the team at home have got her spot on for today and particularly Phoebe who rides her every day – she loves the mare more than me I think – and I'm just thrilled for all connections.
"I hadn't fully gone for her and gave her a flick turning in just to keep her up to her work. I knew I was in front a long way from home, and they can prick their ears have a look around, but I knew she would dig deep for me. As long as we jumped the last full of running, I was confident it would take a good one to get by us.
"With the family connection, I think it is the best day of my career. It means that much that the whole family are here, my wife and my two boys. My mother-in-law loves her racing and I'm just so pleased to win a nice one for her. This is a very big race in its own right and the family connection makes it so special."
The duo finished twelve lengths clear of third-placed Guetapan Collonges.
