Magical Zoe wins the Ebor for Team Knockeen
The Queen presenting to owners Patrick and Scott Bryceland for Magical Zoe, trainer Henry de Bromhead and jockey Billy Lee after winning The Sky Bet Ebor Handicap at York.
After the landing the likes of the Champion Hurdle, Gold Cup and Grand National in the one year, Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead was in the winners enclosure at York racecourse on Saturday as the well-supported Magical Zoe won the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap valued at over £300,000 to the winner.
The mare was best priced 33/1 when markets opened for the race, but she was backed off the boards as if losing was out of the question from 16/1 at declarations stage into 11/2 favourite when scoring under jockey Billy Lee by two-and-three-quarter lengths. She was produced to lead over a furling from the finish before keeping on well to win.
Commenting on the win, trainer Henry de Bromhead said: "This is brilliant. t's a race you grow up watching, I probably never dreamt I could win it. It's incredible, an amazing race to win. I love training good horses. I love training winners! To come to a big meeting like this and have a winner is brilliant."
"We had to have our three runs by July 20 but it all fell into place – with good horses, it's a fraction easier. We gave her one run on the Flat in April then we gave her a break. On class she won at Down Royal, then we went to Fairyhouse and she ran really well but we felt she could improve again and thankfully she has. The team at home have done a brilliant job."
Paddy Bryceland, who owns the winner with brother Scott, revealed the plan to aim Magical Zoe at the Ebor was hatched after she finished fourth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham. "All credit to Adrian Heskin, who's our retained rider and said 'I'm doing myself out of a job here but you want to get her on the Flat, she's absolutely made for it, they don't go quick enough for her over jumps'.
"She's late to the game but the quicker the pace, the better it is for her. What a ride by Billy Lee, to be drawn one and win the Ebor is pretty spectacular."
Lee added: "The race was nice and smooth and she travelled well. Around the bend she came on the bridle and I was able to angle my way out off the fence and take the luck out of it.
