Congratulations Jon and Sophie !

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Created on Wednesday, 02 August 2023 12:47

Congratulations to Jon and Sophie Mitchell whose three year old filly Afloat captured her first win yesterday at Yarmouth.

Afloat is by the Lanwades stallion Sea The Moon out of the winning Dansili mare Planete Bleue and is related to the champion stayer and three time Ascot Gold Cup winner Stradivarius. Jon and Sophie purchased her from last years breeze up sales but she wasn't a typical breeze up two year old as she was always going to need time to mature and develop. They have had to be patient as she never raced last season and this year had four runs on the all-weather earlier in the year before switching to the turf. She has shown steady progression despite conditions not being ideal in her last two races on good to firm ground.

Fortunately the rain came in time for this latest start at Yarmouth and it was good to soft on the day. Callum Shepherd was in the saddle for this mile and a quarter handicap and she was drawn 10 of 10. They settled on the outside towards the rear of the field and Callum was happy to let the front runners dictate the pace and a strong pace it was which suited Afloat perfectly. The early pace told as one by one they came off the bridle with Afloat still travelling well. She was asked to go and win her race at the two furlong pole and win she did, going away by nearly five lengths (let's hope the handicapper went off to make a cup of tea at that point !).

We are delighted for Jon and Sophie and would also like to thank Callum for the ride and to say a big well done to Amelie Davies who looks after Afloat at home and also took home the Best Turned Out prize.