Atty Persse swoops late in Esher Cup

Three-year-old Frankel colt Atty Persse (Roger Charlton/James Doyle) maintained his unbeaten record with a last-gasp short-head success after a rough passage in the 13-runner Esher Cup Handicap over a mile at Sandown Park, UK, on Friday, April 28. 

 

Roger Charlton commented: “I am really pleased with Atty Persse. I thought James gave him a fantastic ride - they went a really good clip and it was a rough race. He is a little horse who got knocked around all over the place. 

 

“James said that Atty Persse was tough, determined and wanted to get to the line first. For a once-raced horse, that was great and there should be lots of improvement to come. 

 

“We will talk to connections but I wouldn’t be frightened in stepping up in trip and grade. Something like the Dee Stakes (Listed, 1m 2f 70y, Chester, May 12) might be a possibility. I don’t see any reason why Chester wouldn’t suit him and I think it would be good experience for him.”

 

James Doyle added: “It was a very rough race and the fact that Atty Persse has got his head in front shows his class because it wasn’t made easy for us. 

 

“It was only his second run, so he will have learned lots. We spent the first half of the race trying to hold our position and the second half trying to get a bit of room so that he could use himself. 

 

“The further he was going, the better and he will improve for going up in trip, so there are lots of positives.”