A Boy Named Sue (SAF) produced a courageous front-running effort to land the Gr 3 Lektron Chairman’s Cup over 3200m at Kenilworth on Saturday. River Crossing (SAF) ran on late for second ahead of Blake (SAF) and Crown Of Gold (SAF).

A Boy Named Sue wasted no time in taking up his usual position at the head of affairs with Grey Cossack in close attendance. By halfway this pair had pulled eight lengths clear of the rest of the field, which was headed by Jeppe’s Reef. Crown Of Gold raced in fourth ahead of League Of Honour and Blake, as Paddy O’Reilly and River Crossing brought up the rear.

Disaster struck for Grey Cossack at about the 1400m mark as he broke down and had to be pulled out of the race. This left A Boy Named Sue with daylight to spare over his nearest challengers and he turned for home a good six to eight lengths clear.

The script called for the long-time leader to come back to his field in the straight and he did look a tired horse at the 400m mark. However, it became clear that the chasing pack was labouring to get to him and jockey M J Byleveld asked for a final effort. His mount responded bravely and although River Crossing closed the gap late, he was the only one who looked like getting close. A Boy Named Sue looked to be running on empty as the line loomed but still had 1.50 lengths to spare as he crossed it. 

Form students are entitled to feel somewhat mystified as A Boy Named Sue – notwithstanding some decent staying efforts in handicap company – looked to be up against it on  bare form in this field. However, staying races are notoriously difficult to predict and credit must go to both horse and rider for a tremendously gutsy response and an enterprising ride respectively.

River Crossing ran on better than anything else but, in truth, he never really looked like getting there in time, while Blake made some laboured progress but was clearly anchored by his huge weight. He remains a very smart stayer but is evidently in the grip of the handicapper at present, having failed to match his prolific winning feats of last season.

4 b g Caesour (USA) – Where Angels Walk by Saumarez (GB)
Mrs S Hudson & Mr D R Hudson 
Bred by Mrs S Hudson & Mr D R Hudson
Winning trainer: Joey Ramsden