3 minute read
Wathnan Racing got off the mark at Royal Ascot on Wednesday after Leovanni produced a power-packed performance to land the Queen Mary Stakes.
The daughter of Kodi Bear was sent off a 22/1 chance on her second outing after making a successful debut at Nottingham earlier in the month.
Karl Burke's filly was always handy in the group on the far side and showed a smart turn of foot to kick clear under James Doyle. The Gavin Cromwell-trained Mighty Eriu kept on well to grab the runner-up spot, but in all truth, she was always chasing shadows and could only finish one- and three-quarter lengths behind the snug winner.
Adrian Nicholls' Maw Lam stayed on to finish third.
"It's been a lot of work from everyone behind the scenes, it's easy for me just riding them, but a lot of work has been put in by Richard Brown (racing adviser to Wathnan) and his whole team," said Wathnan Racing's new retained rider James Doyle.
"I was pleased with her on debut, she won like a potentially smart filly, but it's so hard to tell. Look at yesterday, I had the choice of three in the Coventry Stakes and the one I picked finished out the back. The other two just got beat. It's very difficult to make choices, thankfully I didn't have to choose between two in this race!"
He added: "I won this race before on a filly called Rizeena for Clive Britain (2013) and I would say this filly has all the class that she had. The raw speed, the ability to relax, the temperament, being versatile with the ground. There is a lot to look forward to with her."
Burke said: "It looked very, very smooth, James said she travelled beautifully. She's got a fantastic mind, not just for a two-year-old but a breeze up two-year-old, she's unbelievable. Going forward I'm sure she'll stay six (furlongs).
"Richard Brown and the team have done fantastically well; I know they've paid a lot of money and that adds more pressure. To get one winner is great, hopefully it's not the last."
Richard Brown, racing manager of Wathnan Racing, said of the winning jockey: "We had to work hard to get James. He is a world-class jockey; I think it is obvious to see that.
"He's a top-class sportsman and we were very young, we were only nine months in and we were asking him to leave a top job. But I think he could see the vision of Wathnan and it's great to see him up there picking up the trophy.
"More than being a brilliant jockey he is an amazing guy and a top team player; we are very lucky to have him, and I'm delighted for him."