Pep Makes the History Books
Tue 03 Oct 2023
WINNER 95 OF 2023: SERGEANT PEP, trained by Clive Cox and ridden by Oliver Timms (7): The 'Best Prices Guaranteed Daily At Vickers.Bet Handicap' over 5.5f at Bath.
The card started on soft ground, but with persistent rain and fog, the word 'heavy' came into play by Pep's race. Drawn in 12 to the outer, this was not such a problem, as the field tracked across to the stands side rail after a furlong. Things got a little ragged as runners fought for room, but he tracked the front pair in a fairly prominent position. Pushed along coming to the 2f pole, he pressed the leader; taking the lead inside the final furlong. He kept on well to win by 1 and a 1/4 lengths, his 3rd career win and Clive's 1,000th!
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Bath/02-October-2023/1632
Sadly, there was no post race interviews from the track from Sky Sports Racing, but you can read The Racing Post story, here: https://www.racingpost.com/news/reports/a-brilliant-achievement-clive-cox-hailed-after-saddling-1000th-winner-ayAIb1y2gSeF/
Timeform rated it as a career best 91 performance, saying: "Found things a bit easier back up in trip and on testing ground and resumed winning ways with his best effort yet under a 7 lb claimer; chased leaders, pushed along halfway, led inside final 1f, edged left, kept up to work.”
See the official photo gallery here: https://www.francescaaltoft.co.uk/bath-2nd-october-2023
Syndicate manager Tom says: "Congratulations to his owners on his fine victory. I thought Oliver gave him a great ride - he was bumped and buffeted after the start and he didn't panic. He does go well in softer conditions and putting in a career best, this can open a door or two going forward, as he moves up in class. Clive is extra delighted that he was his 1,000th winner, so well done to him for that amazing achievement."