racing news/

Delegator Wins Celebration Mile but Subsequently Disqualified
29/08/09

1 Zacinto 5/2
2 Ordnance Row 33/1
3 Beacon Lodge 16/1

Following a BHA inquiry, Delegator, who passed the post 1st, was disqualified - prohibited substance in sample. Zacinto was awarded the race.

Delegator
© racing-images.co.uk

Delegator, the highly-regarded runner-up to Sea The Stars and Mastercraftsman, made a winning debut for his new stable after a superb performance in the totesport.com Celebration Mile at Goodwood on Saturday.

Second in the 2000 Guineas, and then second in the St James’ Palace Stakes, he came into the race with some very serious form indeed. The worry to many was that all that was achieved for trainer Brian Meehan, and punters were guessing at how the horse had settled into his new surroundings at Godolphin.

However, he proved to be more than a worthy purchase for new connections as the 4/6 favourite quickened away for a length and a half success.

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said: "His class has shown. It was all there in the form book and we had hoped to see that kind of performance. But first time out for a new stable you are never sure.

"This horse has always been special, and after he ran in the St James's Palace we were really keen to have him, although we weren't the only ones."

William Hill and Paddy Power trimmed him to 7-1 for the Breeders’ Cup Mile in California in November.

Crisford added: "He will go to the QEII next, and then he will go the Breeders' Cup for the Mile. Santa Anita will suit him well and that really is his race.

"He hasn't been over-raced this season, so he will still be fresh going into November and the exciting thing is he stays in training next year."

Jockey Frankie Dettori was also delighted and said: "It was me against the field and the rest of the jockeys all knew that I would be behind.

"I was in a pocket and went for a gap a furlong and a half out, and he quickened like a good one.

"He will be a better horse with a decent pace, but it took a great horse like him to get me out of trouble.

"He was second to Sea The Stars, he was second to Mastercraftsman. It was nice to get his confidence back today and it's all systems go for the QEII.

"I was actually quite taken with the way he picked up - I haven't ridden a horse like this in a while."