Oh, What a Knight!
Fri 14 May 2021
OUR 26th WINNER OF 2021: COPPER KNIGHT, trained by Tim Easterby and ridden by James Sullivan: The Class 2 'Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap' over 5f at York.
There aren't many horses who win a back to back running of a race, that's actually 24 months apart, but yesterday Copper Knight did just that, having taken race the last time it was run, in 2019. It was his fifth course and distance win at York and we were delighted to watch him do it live on ITV Racing.
James had him close up on far side of the field and moved to the lead over 2f out. As others faded away and he was joined at the head of the fielded, he kept on strongly in the final furlong to take the sprint by 1/2 a length. It proved a most popular win from all the social media attention and admiration for the 7 year old, as you can see below!
Watch the full replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/videos/watch/horse_racing_replays/323348-matchbook-betting-exchange-handicap-2
Nice ride James!
Some nice shots here from Steven Cargill:
and this morning renowned racing artist Darren 'Birdie' Bird, honoured him with this:
Well done to Tim Easterby on a great week on the Knavesmire and to William Easterby who bought Copper Knight. The team retained a stake in him, along with our friends at Ventura Racing, so happy days all round - a Festival winner is always a bonus!