We felt The Force at Kempton!

Wed 05 Feb 2020

Lexington Force (Richard Hannon) - 1m Novice Stakes, ridden by Martin Dwyer on debut.

Well, well, well, we didn't see that coming! His work at home suggested that he might need the race for his debut and in the preliminaries he was quite buzzy, showing his inexperience. But Martin took him down to the start slowly and gave him plenty of encouraging pats whilst behind and going into the stalls.

He broke well into midfield, showing a bit of keenness on the outer. Coming around the bend he seemed to find his rhythm and moved into 4th. Martin was patient with him, as the top two in the market made their moves to the head of the field in the straight. Martin found his horse still on the bridle and asked him for an effort 1f out. The turbo boosters then kicked in, as he made excellent headway to go on past them and lead well inside the final furlong, showing what a fabulous stride he has on him. As the Racing Post (who made him their 'Star Performer' from the meeting,) reported "soon in command, readily."  Watch the race replay here: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/the-racing/race-replays/#100_profit_boost_at_32redsport_com_novice_stakes.

He took an age to pull up and his owners laughed when, as he finally walked back into the winners' enclosure, the steward gave the "horses away please" announcement! Needless to say they were all cock-a-hoop and we thank Barrie, one of his syndicate for the superb photos we have added in the gallery.

His trainer Richard Hannon reported "This lovely son of Dabirsim quickened away impressively under hands and heals inside the last furlong, to win by 1 3/4 lengths. He showed signs of inexperience but was given a lovely ride by Martin Dwyer and will come on for the experience and a further trip in time."

Syndicate manager Tim Palin says “He’s proved the silent assassin, this horse! During trainer updates as a 2yo, he never received glowing or loudly bullish gallop reports, bar a gentle mention, on one occasion in July. Subsequently, all went quiet, as he suffered from one or two “growing pains” that kept him off the track until now. He worked well last week, and despite being unfancied in the market, the silent assassin, gunned them down in the final strides. He looks to have a bright future.”

See the official photos here: https://hoycubedphotography.photoshelter.com/gallery/Kempton-4th-February/G0000U3USTYmXfrQ/C0000U20V.soLvhg

We were doubly thrilled, as we have his 2 year old half-brother in training with Mark Johnston! A colt by Dream Ahead and not unexpectedly, shares have flown out since this win! There's less than 20% now remaining and you can see his full details here: http://www.middlehamparkracing.net/horses/view,dream-ahead-ex-fox-force-five-colt_288.htm

Well done everyone. Great to have 8 winners on the board for the year - 3 ahead of this time last year!