MORE BIG RACE TARGETS FOR FLAME-HEELED DRAGON LEADER

Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds heralded a new star on the second day of the Ebor Festival at York when the exciting two-year-old Dragon Leader extended his unbeaten record in the valuable Goffs UK Harry Beeby Premier Yearling Stakes. He spreadeagled a 22-runner field in the hands of Ryan Moore to delight around 20 syndicate members who were at The Knavesmire supporting their Clive Cox-trained starlet. 

It was his third win from as many starts – an impressive achievement by a colt who was snapped up at the Goffs UK Premier yearling sale for just £45,000 by KVT’s bloodstock expert Luke Lillingston. His blistering display sets him up for a likely tilt at another valuable sales race at Doncaster’s St Leger Festival in mid-September – and Group races could be on the agenda later in the year. 

Racing manager Piers Winkworth, who was on duty for KVT at York, said: “He really smashed it up and to have so many of his owners present made it even more special. We’re so excited because the future for this horse and his owners is very bright.” 

Cox added: “It was no surprise to see him win but to do it as comfortably as that was great. 

His medium sales value qualifies him for a few sales races which offer good prize money but we’ll definitely be thinking about Group races as well. 

“Ryan Moore gave him a terrific ride. Everyone’s knows he’s top drawer – but I must give a lot of credit to my stable jockey John Fahy who worked very hard on this horse in the spring.”