Never Let Go (22/1) benefitted from the return to handicap company as she landed the Sandringham Stakes for Ed Walker and Kieran Shoemark, in a race where those drawn low filled the first three places.
Shoemark settled the daughter of No Nay Never in rear of the small group on the far side before coming through to beat Cajole (25/1) by a length. Tabiti (18/1) was the same distance further back in third, with the fourth Oolong Poobong (10/1) faring best of those drawn high.
A winner on the all-weather at Wolverhampton, Never Let Go was dropping down in class after finishing a close third in the Listed Height Of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood.
Walker said: “It has been a rough old week, really, in many ways, but that was an absolute thrill. These races are cavalry charges. I was tempted to scratch this morning looking at all the draws yesterday. Then a few low numbers popped in earlier and confidence came back a little bit.
“Never Let Go is a filly we have always believed in. I thought this race would be ideal. We were not getting in the race at one stage because she didn’t win at Wetherby or Haydock. I was desperate to run her here, so we ran in a Listed race and Hollie [Doyle] gave her an absolute peach. She nicked some black type and went up enough to get in, which I was thrilled about.
“I think she can go on. The family get better with time. She is still very raw, unfurnished and leggy. She is a homebred of the Keswicks, who have supported me for a few years now. We had a really good year for them last year with Celandine being the highlight.
“When Kieran lost the job with John and Thady [Gosden], I said, ‘I don’t mean to be selfish, but I’m thrilled because it means I can use you more!’ He is a great jockey, a great guy and he will bounce back.”
Shoemark said: “I always had my left eye on what was happening on the stands’ side, and I thought we were always well positioned. Colin Keane set a nice gallop, leading our side, and Never Let Go is clearly a very progressive filly because I felt it was never in doubt. It was quite smooth. I had cover and then plenty of room. She is a lovely filly and it was just a matter of time.
“It means so much to the owner-breeders to win here and I am thrilled for them. I feel very privileged to be given this opportunity by Ed Walker. It is so important to be riding here. I have had a few rides here this week and I really haven’t had a sniff up until now. It can be a long week sitting in that weighing-room, so to get one on the board is great.
“I am relieved, because it has been a tough month or six weeks or so. I had an opportunity that put me on the map and it is my job to remain there now.”
Cajole’s jockey Saffie Osborne said: “It was a brilliant run. It was frustrating not to win, but she is a very smart filly. In hindsight, I would have been better off staying with the right-hand group but, at the time, it felt like the right thing to do was to stay towards the middle with the majority of the pack.”