Epsom review: Simon Dow savours Epsom 'fairytale'

A review of Tuesday's action at Epsom where El Campeon secured an emotional victory for trainer Simon Dow.

El Campeon secured an emotional victory that will live long in the memory of trainer Simon Dow after coming out on top in the Caroline's Vision Celebration Handicap at Epsom.

The Epsom handler saw his dreams of winning the race run in memory of Caroline Beaumont, one of his regular work-riders and a former racecourse employee who died of eye cancer in November 2013, come true following the 100/30 shot's game success.

Travelling well in the hands of Harry Bentley, the three-year-old gelding transferred his all-weather form on to the turf when holding Virginia Celeste at bay by half a length.

Dow said: "It means so much to us winning this being it's Caroline's race.

"She had a huge influence on so many of us and her legacy lives on.

"We had known Caroline since she was 16 and this win is like a fairytale.

"This will be something I remember for the rest of my career and my life."

Nice Future survived a major scare before living up to his name when edging home in the British Stallion Studs Molson Coors EBF Maiden Stakes.

After shaping with plenty of encouragement on his debut at Newbury, the Saeed bin Suroor-trained 1.4million guineas son of Dubawi was sent off at 1/6 to oblige at the second time.

Looking beaten approaching the final furlong, the two-year-old, who holds an entry in next year's Investec Derby, came with a sustained late run to get up on the line to win by a neck from Modello and complete a quick-fire double for James Doyle.

The jockey said: "I intended to make the running but Pat (Cosgrave, rider of Modello) changed that for me and I nearly got him (Nice Future) beat trying to teach him.

"On that ground, I didn't want him to have a hard race. It was only his ability that has got him through.

"He is a big horse who is still a bit raw and weak. He will be much better next season."

Doyle was made to work equally as hard for his first victory aboard Galesburg in the opening Rosebery Manor Nursery.

The 11/8 favourite needed plenty of persuasion, but he found extra for the step up to seven furlongs to score by a length and add to his maiden success at Leicester in July.

Doyle said: "When he won at Leicester he was off the bridle pretty much the whole race.

"He makes you work hard but you need to get stuck into him.

"The step up in trip definitely helped but it was hard work out there as that ground is very heavy.".

Owner Steve Clayton saw his lengthy journey to the track pay off after Khelman powered to victory in the Terry Mills & John Akehurst Handicap Stakes.

Relishing a return to a softer surface, the 9/2 shot drew right away from his rivals to score by three lengths and hand trainer Richard Fahey his fourth winner from the last six renewals of the six-furlong contest.

Clayton said: "It took us 11 hours to get here from Newcastle and we only arrived at 1.30pm.

"Once it rained we thought he had a chance, while he loves that stiff finish.

"He is a seven-furlong horse - that is why he stayed on well."

Charlie Bishop enjoyed a fleeting visit to the track after Harlequin Striker (5/1) hit the target in the CSP Handicap to follow up his win at Ffos Las.

Although headed in the closing stages, the long-time leader gamely battled back to deny Live Dangerously by a neck to complete an across-the-card double for owners Harlequin Direct and trainer Mick Channon, who were also on the mark with debutant Harlequeen at Goodwood.

Bishop said: "He is as tough as old boots and once he gets his ground he is pretty useful while he likes it here."

The John Bridger-trained Choral Festival (5/1) ended a run of placed efforts when running out the clear-cut winner of the concluding Combined Services Handicap.