3 minute read
Andrea Atzeni's enforced trip to Haydock Park paid off handsomely as the talented rider steered De Rigueur to a lucrative victory in the bet365 Old Newton Cup.
The young Italian was likely heartbroken inside when told earlier this week that his services were required on Merseyside by retaining owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, a surprise call given it meant he would have to concede the ride on Coral-Eclipse contender Kingston Hill to compatriot Frankie Dettori.
Missing out on partnering a horse who gave him his first British Group One victory in last year's Racing Post Trophy and took him to the runner-up spot in the Epsom Derby was surely tough for the uncomplaining Atzeni, but while Kingston Hill failed to land a telling blow at Sandown, Atzeni was smiling in the Haydock sunshine after De Rigueur's battling effort.
Unbeaten in two previous visits to the track and a winner at Newmarket on his latest start, Marco Botti's six-year-old had solid credentials for the £100,000 contest and was among the leading contenders at 9-1.
It was not easy viewing for his supporters as De Rigueur had to be ridden along at various stages, but his stamina kicked in late on in the mile-and-a-half contest and he showed plenty of guts to fight off the giant Pallasator by a neck. Magic Hurricane was right on their heels in third.
Atzeni said: "He's a horse that needs dropping out, so the (high) draw wasn't a problem. He's one of those you don't want to get to the front too soon on, so it worked out perfectly."
Botti added: "I thought it was a very good performance. Andrea said the ground has dried out a bit, he was feeling it and for that reason he didn't travel as well as he usually does.
"He's a horse that doesn't want to hit the front too soon and he doesn't win by far, but he finished off his race well and we're delighted. A race like the Ebor could be the target for him. He's well handicapped, but we'll see how much he goes up after today."
The afternoon got even better for Atzeni as 5-6 jolly Roseburg, trained by Luca Cumani and the aforementioned Sheikh's only runner on the card, justified odds-on favouritism in the concluding bet365.com Handicap.
"He settled well and travelled well and he's going the right way. Hopefully we'll have a bit more fun with him," said the jockey.
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