Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sporting ExcitementSporting Excitement

Horse Racing

Nunthorpe favourite Golden Pal ‘could be the best’ Wesley Ward has trained – with Frankie Dettori set to ride at York

, Nunthorpe favourite Golden Pal ‘could be the best’ Wesley Ward has trained – with Frankie Dettori set to ride at York

TOP US trainer Wesley Ward can’t wait to team up with his good Pal Frankie Dettori at York this week.

The Italian is set to ride Ward’s newest speed machine Golden Pal in the Nunthorpe Stakes on Friday.

Golden Pal (right) was second in last year’s Norfolk Stakes
Frankie Dettori was pleased with Golden Pal after putting him through his paces

The exciting colt is 9-4 favourite with Paddy Power, just ahead of flying French filly Suesa (5-2) in a mouthwatering renewal of the £400,000 race.

He has already had a taste of British racing, having finished a close second to The Lir Jet in the 2020 Norfolk Stakes under Andrea Atzeni when the ground was ‘too soft’.

He went on to win at the Breeders’ Cup later in the year and Ward – who had hoped to run him in the King’s Stand in June before the horse picked up a minor niggle – holds the three-year-old in the highest regard.

And he said Dettori was thrilled after putting him through his paces at the racecourse on Tuesday morning.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Ward, who will jet in later this week, said: “I’ve said all along Golden Pal could be the best I have trained.

“He hasn’t achieved that yet, but I believe he will be right up there.

“He has settled in great at York and his preparation has gone well.

“He ran a big race at Saratoga last time which was very pleasing to see after the little injury that stopped us from going to Ascot earlier in the year.

“My main man Frankie went up to give him a canter on the track and he was very happy.

“It was good for him to get to know the horse and for the horse to get to know the racecourse. He is ready to go.

“Frankie has been my good luck charm and we have pointed for this race all season, so it’s great to have him on board.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“As the race gets closer I’m getting a little nervous. With these exciting colts it’s a bit like having lightning in a bottle, you can never be sure what to expect.”

Ward and Dettori are a force to be reckoned with at Royal Ascot – but they have a score to settle on the Knavesmire.

The close friends were left heartbroken when Lady Aurelia was beaten in a photo finish in the 2017 Nunthorpe – with Dettori infamously punching the air in premature celebration.

Ward said: “Lady Aurelia was a tough one to take. Frankie thought he had it so I went off his reaction.

“She ran a great race but was just beaten on the line. Hopefully there will be no doubts this time, it’s a race I would love to win.”

FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE


Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to SE. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org


Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest

Premier League

Xabi Alonso Prefers to Stay at Bayer Leverkusen Liverpool is in search of a new manager following Jurgen Klopp's departure, but reports suggest that...

Premier League

Major Rule Change The Premier League has implemented a significant rule change regarding ball boys and girls after a recent incident involving Coventry manager...

Premier League

Green Light for Ambitious Project Birmingham City FC is on the verge of finalizing a £50 million deal to acquire an abandoned motor circuit...

Premier League

Dynamic Trio of Best Pals Erling Haaland is known for his pranks, and according to Sander Berge, the close friendship between Haaland, Martin Odegaard,...

Premier League

Nuno's Reaction Nuno Espirito Santo revealed his anger and frustration after being informed about Nottingham Forest's four-point deduction for breaking financial rules, which pushed...

Premier League

Arsenal Fans Rally Behind Jailed Journalist Evan Gershkovich, an Arsenal fan and journalist, remains confined in Moscow's Lefortovo Prison on spying charges laid by...

Advertisement
Advertisement

Facebook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement