Kaiya Fraser showed ‘balls of steel’ to ride the biggest winner of his short career at Glorious Goodwood on Tuesday.
First Group-level triumph
The 23-year-old from Hackney in east London was riding for the first time at Group level on the Oliver Cole-trained Dr Rascal in the Group 2 Coral Vintage Stakes. Just 17 days earlier, Fraser was dragged off Dr Rascal when a rival horse attacked him and bit him on the thigh before a race at Ascot, only for the unflappable young jockey to remount and win the race.
The unbeaten colt was facing better fancied horses representing Godolphin and Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle outfit.
Daring move on the rail
On a tricky track like Goodwood, Fraser’s lack of top race experience could have cost him. However, he tracked Amo Racing’s Pikachu then went for a narrow gap along the far rail that looked like it was closing rapidly. Dr Rascal forced his way through and picked up again to win by half a length from O’Brien’s Haffner, with 5-4 favourite Al Hudaiba third.
Punters on social media were full of praise for the jockey. “Absolute balls of steel on Kaiya Fraser there,” said one.
Praise from presenter and inquiry
Sky Sports Racing presenter Dave Orton said: ‘What a rascal! That took some balls, no way the horse would’ve got out, with Ryan Moore on his outer, had he waited there. Take a bow Kaiya Fraser.’
Fraser was called to a stewards’ inquiry straight after the race but the officials ruled he had gone for “a tight but legitimate gap” and no riding offence was involved. He was cautioned for allowing Dr Rascal to drift left near the line.
Jockey’s reaction
The jockey said: “First of all I want to thank my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ without whom this would not be possible. I want to thank all the owners and Mr Cole for putting me on and trusting me. This is a great day, I’m very happy and happy to get the job done for them.
“This means everything. This is what we wake up for every morning. I’ve put so much hard work to get to where I am today. I am very thankful for all the people who’ve helped me.”
