Interception storms to Wokingham win at Royal Ascot

Saturday 20 June 2015 17:49, UK

Interception landed a big gamble by coming way off the pace to win a competitive Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot after accelerating away from his rivals in the final furlong.

Backed from 20/1 down to half the odds close to the off, the five-year-old went off a 10-1 chance and benefited from a hugely confident ride from George Baker to give trainer, and Henry Cecil's former understudy, David Lanigan a first win at the Royal meeting.

The 12/1-rated French raider Robert Le Diable, ridden by Australian Damian Oliver, came with a strong run but just as he joined Lancelot Du Lac (25/1), Interception came sweeping by and she went on to win impressively by a length and a quarter.

Robert Le Diable was second with Lancelot Du Lac third and bottom weight Related fourth at 50/1.

Baker said: "It's a great training performance. I was a long way back but she really motored home and loves that fast ground. It's great to do it for David.

"A furlong and a half out I was slightly concerned as I was out of my ground and the other side seemed a few lengths ahead. I was really pleased when the rain didn't come."

Lanigan said: "It's great for Mr Nielsen (owner) - he's been a big support to me so I'm very happy.

"He deserves lots of credit, he bought her as a two-year-old prospect and she's now five. He's put an awful lot of money into the game and deserves this.

"I must be a half-decent trainer as I got her to win off 70! She was literally in the December Sales.

"I asked if we could keep her in training as she looked better than ever.

"Last year we thought this was the plan. She needed her run at Haydock but she's strengthened since and I'm delighted.

"It's my first winner here so it means a lot, it's the biggest meeting in the world."

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