O’Neill Slam Dunks The Opposition
Mon 18 Nov 2024
Winner 90 of 2024: ZIGGY’S ARIEL, trained by Alice Haynes and ridden by Kieran O’Neill. ‘Weekly Free Bets With BetMGM Extra Nursery Handicap’ over 6f at Wolverhampton.
Taking the bull by the horns from the outset, Kieran O’Neill took no prisoners from the front and managed to come across from a tricky draw in stall 12. Ziggy’s Ariel put her experience to great use and settled nicely at the front end for her jockey, who was now able to dictate the race. Turning for home, the leading pair got attacked early, but all credit to our daughter of Inns of Court, who battled on gamely and got back up after being headed inside the final furlong. A fine ride by Kieran, who overcame the outside draw, and a tenacious, game performance by Ziggy’s Ariel who showed a roaring return to form and added a second victory to her tally.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Wolverhampton/16-November-2024/1730
Timeform rated her second victory with a t81, saying: "Returned to form from out of the blue, responding well to a positive ride from her wide stall, though this was a race in which the pace held up; soon led, ridden over 2f out, joined briefly final 1f, just held on."
Kieran O'Neill spoke to Jason Weaver of Sky Sports Racing after the race: "The long straight up in Newcastle, and how the race unfolded didn’t really suit her last time out, but despite the draw, I was very optimistic going into today's race. The plan was to sit prominently, and thankfully she jumped well, and I was able to get to the front nice and easy and control the field, without her being keen, or burning too much energy. She was very tough in the final stages and battled back nicely after we got headed. A great performance by the filly, and another remarkable job by the team around Middleham Park Racing, their 90th victory, who are on pace to end with more than 100 winners in one season for the 4th consecutive year. A fantastic achievement. Everyone at Alice’s is extremely grateful for their huge support. Long may it continue.”
Please find the official photo gallery below:
https://www.jahphoto.co.uk/-/galleries/wolverhampton-horse-racing-2024/november-2024/16th-november-2024/race-3