Orbaan ends losing streak

A regular in these events, Orbaan had not won since July 2020 but could hardly have broken his losing run in more impressive fashion. Given a patient ride around the inside, the seven-year-old shot clear in the blink of an eye, scoring by an emphatic three and a quarter lengths from stable-mate Blue For You (15/2). Revich (66/1) was third, with front runner Ouzo (20/1) holding on for fourth.

It proved an excellent outcome for winning jockey Jason Watson, who was initially set to partner non-runner Shelir.

O’Meara, who had five runners in the race, said: “Everybody knows this race is so draw dependent. We had three drawn wide and three drawn well. One of them we took out to save him for next week – he was a little bit off-colour this morning and drawn wide, a combination of a few things. But Orbaan – it’s been a long time since he last won. The last time he won he won like a Group horse in a handicap, but he hasn’t won since. He had a lovely run round and stayed on well.

“I was on David's other runner originally drawn in 22, but the draw was just too bad and with the ground we decided not to run. I had the pick of them and Dave wanted me to ride this fella. I am delighted he persuaded me to as this horse really deserved it.

“I haven't won at Glorious Goodwood since I was an apprentice. It is a hard track to ride and a tough place to have winners. I am very grateful to Dave and the team who have been very supportive to me the last 12 months. I'm just pleased I'm back on the big stage a little bit.”

Winning owner Jimmy Chua said: “That was unbelievable. I am in shock, I couldn't believe it. I was not going to run Orbaan because of the fast ground – he loves soft ground. However, the clerk put on a lot of water. He is a soft ground horse, but with fast ground we decided to take a chance.”

O’Meara’s assistant Jason Kelly said of the second: “Blue For You was all dressed up and had nowhere to go! When he has got space, he has knuckled down. He has been second on his last three starts now, but he can definitely get his head in front in a big race.

“He will probably go next to York for the Clipper Logistics Mile. He has run well at York on his last two runs. He is a horse with a lot of ability. He is still only a young horse, and that is only his fourth start for us.”

Revich’s trainer Richard Spencer said: “He ran a nice race at Epsom last time and has run another one there. He is thriving on his racing and enjoys life. If we could have a few more like him in the yard, it would be great. We are lucky with the horses we have got, but he is a little star and keeps turning up on the big days. He is in the Clipper Logistics at York. Whether we go there or what we do depends on how he comes out of this.”