By Peter Moore at Sandown Park 30th August 2024

Champion jockey elect Oisin Murphy bagged a double at Sandown Park on their Family Festival Friday to increase his lead at the top of the table.

The former three time champion jockey looks a shoe in to win his fourth title, after steering And Alshiba Green to victory in the opener before guiding Windcrack first past the post in the finale on the card.

Before the thoroughbreds were in action it was the turn of the ponies with 12 runners contesting the Sandown Park Shetland Pony Solario Stakes which was won by Olivia Eglise aboard Briar Smokey Joe. After the race jockey’s Sean Levey and Murphy were on hand to award the prize to the winning jockey.

The Sri Lanka, Jewel Of Asia British EBF Maiden Stakes went to Jonquil on debut under Ryam Moore for Sir Michael Stoute.

The Juddmonte-owned son of Lope De Vega was asked by Ryan Moore to move past leader Qetaifan at the two-furlong pole but made contact with Time Turner, which resulted in him losing ground when bustled back to his position on the rail. 

However, the joint favourite rallied impressively to again find space and run down fellow debutant Centigrade in the closing strides,  to score by a short head.

“It’s not an ideal first time out, but he’ll have learned a lot from today,” said Stoute’s assistant trainer James Savage. 

“He’s a nice two-year-old and he’s got the pedigree and physique to back it up. They were always quite positive when they sent him from Juddmonte and he’s shown a gritty attitude. It was nice to see him come back at the end.

“There’s stamina in his pedigree but he’s got that bit of speed from his dam too. Seven furlongs is okay for now, but I’m pretty sure he’d stay a mile this year if we wanted him to, and further next year. It’s exciting – he’s got a nice future.”

Local trainer Peter Crate enjoyed his first winner of the year when Harb took the 5f handicap under Tom Queally.

The five-year-old was having his first run for 123 days after getting the better of Four Adaay to score for the first time since winning at the course last September.

“I’d love to say this was the plan, but it was more to have a run and then bring him back to the race he won last year,” said Crate. 

“I knew he was pretty sharp, on Monday he dropped our lad who rides him every day and galloped round the field like a good’un, which gave him that last piece of work in a way. 

“I said to his owner the morning, ‘Don’t think this horse hasn’t got a chance’, because he was as fit as I could get him at this stage. Sure enough, he’s shown that.”

Despite having only four horses at his yard, Crate is already getting excited about another horse that he feels will run very well.

Crate added: “Harb is wonderful, I love him to bits, but I’ve also got another horse I’m really excited about called Harry Brown. I’ve got really high hopes for later in the year.”