A Tenacious Spirit
Tue 02 Aug 2022
WINNER 86 OF 2022: SPIRITOFTHENORTH, trained by Kevin Ryan and ridden by Kevin Stott: 'The Goodbyeflys Ripon Racecourse Stable Staff Championships Handicap' over 1m 4f at Ripon.
He's been such a consistent horse and plying his trade across both codes. Although he's had hurdle races with distances further than this race, this was his first try on the flat over 12f and he was marked up as favourite.
Starting well, he shared the lead on the outer until the 2 furlong marker when he was left on the front. Bowling along nicely, Kevin then quickened the pace 4 furlongs from home and the others tried to close him down. He found plenty for pressure though and kept on well inside the final furlong, always doing enough, to win by 3/4 of a length.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Ripon/01-August-2022/1700
Simon Mapletoft, of Sky Sports Racing said as he crossed the line that he is "versatile and consistent" and he certainly is! 3 wins, 6 2nd places, 8 3rd places and 2 4th places from his 23 starts.
Timeform rated it as an 86 performance, saying: "Resumed winning ways to make it 2-3 on the Flat this year, proving himself over 1½m, though very much aided by Bit of A Quirke's rider reining back after 2f after the pair of them had threatened to get into a battle for the lead; soon led and dictated thereafter, quickened over 3f out, tackled over 1f out, always holding on; it ought to be harder for him next time.”
Sadly, no further coverage was shown from the winners enclosure or any post race interviews - something that is a shame when you win the final race on a card.
Syndicate manager Tim says: "Congratulations to his owners, it's lovely to see many of them there in the winners photo. He showed that he is resolute in the finish and had a lovely tenacious attitude to repel all raiders. Kevin gave him a great ride and well done to him and Kevin Ryan on their double.”