Mick Easterby in shock as Hoofalong lifts Sprint Cup
Racing UK News
11 June 2016
Hoofalong powered to victory under 5lb-claiming apprentice Nathan Evans in the £100,000 William Hill Scottish Sprint Cup at Musselburgh.
The six-year-old, co-owned by golfer Lee Westwood, landed the spoils in a typically competitive renewal of the five-furlong handicap.
Last year's winner Red Baron was quickly away from his low draw and moved over towards the favoured stands rail, with Thesme also prominent.Thesme went on after Red Baron cried enough but Hoofalong, trained by Mick Easterby, found the best turn of foot and hit the front inside the final furlong.
Sent off at 16-1, he asserted to go on and score by a length and a quarter from Thesme, with Duke Of Firenze a length and a half back in third. Just half a length away in fourth place was the 3-1 favourite Kimberella.
Speaking from York, Easterby said: "I'm in shock.When I was watching I thought it was him coming through, but I couldn't believe it.
"Chubby Chandler (co-owner) likes to have a bit of a go at me for not having winners so this one's for him.
"We might have a look at the Stewards' Cup."
There was a minor sting in the tail for Evans, who picked up a two-day ban for careless riding.
