Roy Rocket is just one win away from becoming a record-breaker at Brighton after recording his ninth victory at the track on Friday.
It's fair to say that we felt conditions had gone against him as rain came for the second day of Brighton's three-day August meeting and persisted on the Friday. On the weather front, the day was memorable for all the wrong reasons, but it takes more than rain and high winds to stop Roy trying his very best at his favourite racecourse, especially when given such a rousing reception from the crowd.
With John Egan in Chicago to ride in the Arlington Million, Rob Hornby stepped in for his first ride, not just on Roy but also for this stable. He gave him a peach of a ride, dropping him out the back and then reacting quickly to extricate Roy from the stands' rail when he was squeezed for room with three furlongs left to run. Once out in the open and facing a strong headwind, the pair battled on gamely, getting up to win in the shadow of the post, prompting commentator Simon Holt to shout, "Roy's the boy at Brighton."
It was a wonderful day for all involved, especially Roy's co-owners Larry and Iris McCarthy and their great group of friends who are always on hand for support. Roy may have a change of scene for his next run, which we hope will be in the Amateur Riders' Derby at Epsom on Bank Holiday Monday. God willing, he'll be back at Brighton for one last appearance this season.