KEVIN’S Ryan and Stott enjoyed a red-letter day at Royal Ascot with a memorable double.
Hello Youmzain made virtually all to win the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee before Stott executed the same tactics to perfection on Hey Jonesy a race later.
Ryan has long been associated with top sprinters, and he has another on his hands in Hello Youmzain.
The son of Kodiac won the Sprint Cup last season and was as hard as nails to repel all comers in the Diamond Jubilee.
Adam Ryan, son of Kevin Ryan, said: “Hello Youmzain has done it the hard way.
“He jumped well and Kevin [Stott] did the right thing, let him find his stride and where he was happy, and when it came to the business end, he battled on hard. He is a very game, very tough horse, and especially to do that on his first run of the season was very impressive.
“He did well over the winter; he strengthened up and matured again. We had him as well as we could have done at home – his work has been very good. We always thought this year he’d be more of the finished article, and he looked fantastic today. Credit to the team.
“It’s fantastic, particularly given the times we have gone through. For everyone in racing, to get it back and win on the biggest stage of all is fantastic.
“As well, for Kevin Stott – we knew him when he first came across and he did his apprenticeship with us. He is an absolute credit to his family and gave Hello Youmzain a brilliant ride. I am delighted for him to have his first Group 1 winner for us.”
The fitting of blinkers worked a treat for Hey Jonesy, who was disappointing in the Buckingham Palace Handicap on Tuesday.
But he showed plenty of zest from the front to repel the last-gasp challenge of Summerghand by a nose.
More to follow…
