Yagan - The Hat-Trick Hero!
Tue 08 Jun 2021
WINNER 36 OF 2021: YAGAN, trained by Sir Mark Prescott and ridden by Luke Morris: 'The Witheford Barrier Trials 22nd June Handicap' over 1m 4f at Lingfield.
After winning over 1m 4f at Yarmouth on May 29th, then at Bath over 1m 6f on June 4th, Yagan came to Lingfield yesterday under a 6lb penalty, looking for a hat-trick and well, the headline tells the tale!
Ridden once again by Luke Morris, he had him prominent from the start, moving on to lead after a furlong. He bowled along in front with his big stride and familiar head carriage with Luke sitting quietly until 4f out when he gave him a little kick to increase the tempo, whilst the favourite was beginning to strongly challenge him on the outer. But he kept on well inside the final furlong, always doing enough to win by half a length.
Watch the full replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Lingfield/07-June-2021/1345
Sir Mark was at the track and spoke to Sky Sports Racing after the race: "I enjoyed that. It is always difficult to get a hat-trick of wins, but seeing Mr Buick working away before 3 out, I enjoyed it more! His horse (in 2nd) kept on well but for us that's a third win in a few days so he will have a little breather now."
Timeform say p70+: "After just 3 days off, completed the hat-trick, putting his experience to good use against the runner-up; soon led, kicked on over 2f out, tackled entering final 1f, ridden out; his winning margins have decreased but he seems the sort to do only what's required, scope there for him to improve further still."
Syndicate manager Tim says: "Congratulations to his owners on bringing up your hat-trick; that takes a little bit of doing. Any win is great, but three in a week or so is even better! Some super comments from his owners on social media and we thank Michael for this lovely note posted on Facebook:
Yagan did that quite nicely and it was a good ride from the front again from Luke Morris and a good bit of placement from Sir Mark - I often use the 'Keep your horse in the worst company and yourself in the best' motto from Arthur Stephenson.
We might just go again at Lingfield next week, but we will see what the handicapper does, as they pulled clear of the 3rd placed horse. We will see how he is after the weekend, but he really is a lovely big horse and the phone has already started to ping as he grabs the attention of keen eyed observers."