Lazy by Name, not by Nature

Sun 05 Jul 2026

Winner 80 of 2026: LAZY GRIFF. Trained by Charlie Johnston and ridden by Billy Loughnane. The ‘Coral Marathon (Listed Race) (Registered As The Esher Stakes)’ over 2m at Sandown.

Our classy stayer, who we haven’t seen on the track since his huge efforts behind Lambourn in the English and the Irish Derby, returned to action with a third place in the G3 Henry II Stakes over course and distance in May. Back at Sandown for the Coral Marathon, better known as the Esher Stakes, it looked a fine opportunity for Lazy Griff against a field of only three runners.

Billy Loughnane disputed the lead after a good start and was able to dictate the pace from the front. Untroubled for the lead for most of the way, Lazy Griff started to increase the pace half a mile from home before he made a significant move inside the final three furlongs, gaining a three-length gap to his rivals, which, despite all efforts, couldn’t draw in on our very likeable son of Protectionist. Lazy Griff was well clear when going past the post for the second time, his second victory at stakes level, after his Group 3 success as a 2-year-old.

Watch the full race replay via the link: https://www.racingtv.com/results/2026-07-03/sandown-park/1610

Charlie Johnston spoke to Racing TV after the race:

Timeform rated his victory with a 110+: "Following an encouraging return, made the most of a good opportunity having swerved the Gold Cup, his rider controlling the race, the one moment of anxiety coming early on, when he looked briefly to hang towards the entrance onto the course on the bend after the winning post; made all, kicked on entering straight, ridden 2f out, went clear soon after, idled, ridden out; he's entered in the Goodwood Cup, at a meeting his stable targets, though a more galloping track than Goodwood might suit him better."

Listen to Billy as he speaks to Lydia about his performance on Racing TV:

Please find the official winning photos via the link below:

https://meganrosephotography.photoshelter.com/gallery-collection/Sandown-Park-2026/C0000wSXKlW6R4pE

Winner 81 of 2026: CRISTO, trained by Richard Hannon and ridden by Sean Levey. The 'Debenhams Handicap' over 1m at Sandown.

A little bit unlucky not to have won in 2026, but Cristo battled hard under Sean Levey to get off the mark on the turf.

After an even start, Sean settled our son of Havana Grey just behind the leading pairs, where he travelled strongly before being switched and made his challenge towards the nearside. Cristo was incredibly tough and showed his battling qualities to win by a neck. A well-deserved first victory on the turf for our chestnut, his third success overall.

Watch the full race replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/results/2026-07-03/sandown-park/1715

Timeform rated his victory with 89: "Gives his running more often than not and deservedly got off the mark for the season at the chief expense of 2 3-y-o handicap newcomers; mid-field, travelled well, switched under 3f out, shaken up 2f out, challenged final 1f, led final 50 yds."

Please follow the link to view and purchase the official winning photos: https://meganrosephotography.photoshelter.com/gallery-collection/Sandown-Park-2026/C0000wSXKlW6R4pE