David Livingston (Galileo-Mora Bai by Indian Ridge), who left Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle team to join Mike de Kock in Dubai earlier this year, lowered the colours of hot-pot favourite Telescope (Galileo-Velouette by Darshaan) in Saturday’s Gr 3 Betfred Rose of Lancaster Stakes over 1900m at Haydock.
The Mike de Kock-trained 4YO ran out a cheeky winner under Johnny Murtagh, while all eyes were focused on Sir Michael Stoute’s former Derby hope.
While Moore tried to kick on aboard the 9-4 favourite, David Livingston found plenty for pressure and kept battling before edging in front and eventually going a length clear at the line.
Noble Mission made late progress in a bid for second, but Telescope just held on for the minor honours by a head.
Murtagh said: “He was very progressive as a two-year-old and Mike seems to have sorted him out now. When I got after him, he really didn’t want to lose and he’s won well in the end.””
Assistant trainer Steve Jell said: “He’s really maturing now. Last year I don’t think the ground helped him and he was quite immature. ‘Johnny thinks he could step up in trip again. He’s entered for a race in Turkey but we won’t throw him in at the deep end. That will have been great for his confidence.”
Connections of Telescope felt their colt had not shown his best on the day.
Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said: “Ryan said he felt a bit lethargic today. There was no gear change, he just stayed on. He lacked the zip that he shows us in a morning.”- Sporting Life
