Spear winner bred and trained by David Simcock

There must have been big celebrations in the Simcock household on Sunday evening as Lightning Spear's son Charlie’s Choice, bred and trained by David Simcock, won a handicap at Wolverhampton.

David Simcock trained Lightning Spear for most of his illustrious career, including his flagship win in the 2018 Gr.1 Sussex Stakes as a 7yo, and when the horse retired to stand as a stallion at Tweenhills, David bought a mare to send to him.

Step forward Iffraaj mare Aliyana, who was purchased on David’s behalf by Blandford Bloodstock for just €8.000 at the 2019 Arqana December February Sale. Aliyana was covered by Lightning Spear not long after and the following year, Charlie’s Choice was born and raised at Tweenhills.

Charlie’s Choice has shown ability from the moment he first set foot on a racecourse in March 2023, finishing third at Lingfield that day, and the way he won a 9.5f handicap at Wolverhampton on the weekend suggests there’s more to come.

Aliyana returned to Lightning Spear in 2020 and produced filly Lucy Lockett in 2021; she also represents David Simcock and owner The Future and was beaten just half a length when last seen in September.

Aliyana also has a Lightning Spear 2yo filly in training with David Simcock.