A thumbs up and a beaming smile from Jalon Samuel, who is being led to the winners’ circle by owners Sir David Seale, Lady Seale and trainer Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Deane (partially hidden).
Four, five, eight for winning trio
Jalon Samuel and Night Prowler created history yesterday at the Garrison Savannah as the pair won the 2020 running of the Sandy Lane Gold Cup. Riding an eight-year-old mount, the young jockey won his fifth Gold Cup trophy to give Sir David Seale his eighth win.
Speaking to members of the media after the historic win, Samuel said that the race was a blast for him as he gave way to his experienced partner.
“I just let him run the race he wanted. I didn’t force him to do anything, the pace was a little fast up front and it was an easy set-up for him. In the last furlong he kicked so much and it was perfect for him. I just want to thank everyone,” he said.
Sir David Seale, who is 82 years old and claims to be intimate with the Garrison since he was about five or six, said that he maintains his faith in Samuel. “As soon as I knew he was going to be back, he had to get the ride. I gave him his first win in the USA and I can get him anytime. I believe his grandmother will always release him. He is a nice, decent, little boy.”
Trainer Liz Deane picked up her fourth win and said that it was a rollercoaster of feelings for her. “I think it is the most emotional Gold Cup I’ve ever been in. Everyone said the horse is too old – eight years old – he came last year, he was supposed to win and he didn’t but he turned up today. It is a group effort, the stable has played a huge part in this. He has a wonderful groom, it’s a wonderful group at Hopefield that takes care of this horse and I give the most credit to the horse. He’s a wonderful horse,” she said.
Noting that she went to work for Sir Seale since 1986 when he had first acquired Bentham, Deane said that the day had a special place in her heart. “We’ve had a great day because we won the Spa with our new import from England so nothing tops this. I could even retire now!”
Echoing the sentiments of Samuel, Deane heaped all the praise on Night Prowler. “It was a tough win with the old guy because he is old. We had to be really careful but the plus was that Jalon came back three weeks before the race and he was getting on him every morning. He treated him like he was not a young yam. He is a wonderful horse. Wonderful!” she said. (MP)