Spy Chief second best in G3 Jersey Stakes

Spy Chief produced a spirited display on his G3 debut as he finished a clear second in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot on Saturday, 21 June.

The John & Thady Gosden-trained colt had made all when posting a convincing win at Yarmouth nine days earlier and again blazed a trail in the seven-furlong contest under Rab Havlin, leading a group of seven that came up the centre of the course.

Spy Chief looked to have most of his rivals on the stretch approaching the two-furlong pole, with only Noble Champion able to go with the Godolphin runner.

Noble Champion swept into the lead over a furlong from home, with Spy Chief rallying after showing signs of greenness in the final furlong, going down by just over three lengths. Comanche Brave took third, two and three-quarter lengths further back.

Rab Havlin said: “It was a great run from Spy Chief. He’s an inexperienced horse coming from a novice win at Yarmouth, who is still learning and needs to relax a bit. I think the more racing he does, the better he will get.”