18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

Apex King wins on 'emotional' day for Edderys

Andrea AtzeniAndrea Atzeni
© Photo Healy Racing

Apex King emerged victorious after a thrilling climax to the Wooldridge Group Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot.

The Ed Dunlop-trained juvenile finished down the field on his Leicester debut at the end of May and though he appeared much improved when scoring on his second start at Newmarket last month, he was a 12-1 shot stepped up in grade.

Andrea Atzeni settled his mount in midfield before angling wide to throw down his challenge in the last of seven furlongs.

Apex King responded gamely, coming home best to deny the front-running Monticello by a neck.

The runner-up ran a fine race in defeat, but came up narrowly short in his hat-trick bid, with his stable companion, Frankuus, a close third.

Dunlop said: "He'll never run over that trip again as he wants a mile now.

"He did exactly what he did at Newmarket, but beat better class horses this time.

"All being well, subject to the owner's approval, he'll go for the Royal Lodge (Newmarket, September 24).

"I think he's shown he goes on any ground."

The Listed contest, better known as the Winkfield Stakes, was run for the first time in memory of all-time great jockey Pat Eddery following his death last November.

"It's fantastic winning the first running of the race in honour of Pat Eddery," Dunlop added.

"I knew him from the moment I was born, with him having ridden so many great horses for my father (John Dunlop)."

A plaque in Eddery's honour was also unveiled in front of his friends and family before racing.

The 11-times champion jockey's daughter Nicola Eddery said: "I t's an absolutely wonderful honour for my dad and us as a family.

"Ascot was my dad's favourite racecourse and it is my favourite racecourse.

"He had some of the most amazing moments here and he just loved riding at the racecourse.

"The whole day is quite emotional. I still can't believe he is not here.

"It still feels weird coming back remembering all his wins. It's such a shame he cannot celebrate it with us."

Good friend and rival jockey Willie Carson said of Eddery: "The memories would take me six months to talk about.

"Pat was a great friend and he is dearly missed by a lot of people.

"It's nice he has got some recognition. Even though it's only plaque on the wall, it recognises one of the greatest jockeys to ride winners here, year in year out.

"He was taken from us a little bit sooner than we all expected but it is nice of Ascot to do such a thing.

"Pat was very naturally gifted on a horse and he was one of the greatest jockeys that has ever lived."