Just Mint!
Thu 25 Aug 2022
WINNER 96 OF 2022: IMPERIAL KNIGHT, trained by Ben Pauling and ridden by Kielan Woods: 'The Paul Ferguson's Jumpers To Follow Novices' Chase' over 2m 7f at Worcester.
He won best turned out and this was a match race, with a hot favourite preferred in the market, but no one told Imperial Knight that!
Setting off, he tracked the leader, jumping well throughout. He was 2 lengths down at the last fence and on landing, Kielan dropped his whip. However, he stayed on well to challenge, taking the lead in the run in, to win by 1 and a 1/2 lengths.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Worcester/23-August-2022/1300
Timeform rated it as a 113 performance, saying: "Fitter for last month's reappearance, made the most of the 10 lb he was receiving from The Vollan; chased leader, not always fluent, shaken up home turn, briefly looked held 2 out, rallying when rider dropped whip run-in, led close home.”
Kielan said in his Sky Sports Racing interview with Mick Fitzgerald: "I dropped my whip after the last and that's not something you should do riding a finish against Sean Bowen! But it didn't make a difference as I had a bit more horse in the finish. ”
See the official photo gallery here: https://www.nigelkirbyphotography.com/Horse-Racing/Worcester-Racecourse/Worcester-2022/Worcester-Races-Tue-23-Aug-2022/Race-1/
Syndicate manager Tom says: "I thought that Kielan gave him a perfect ride. He kept the hot favourite up to his work and then came past him with ease after the last fence. He is an honest and game horse and is a credit to Ben and the work he has done with him at home. He has been in the top 3 on 13 of his 19 starts and that's not bad going and I think his owners will have some fun chasing with him. Well done to them.”
Thank you to Paul, for permission to use his image in the story.