Velvet smooth in giving Spear Gr.3 success

There can’t be any more likeable racehorses in training than Royal Velvet – and Susie Hartley’s homebred by Lightning Spear is now a Gr. 3 winner after taking the Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes at Lingfield on Saturday.

It was only a few weeks ago that we posted another article about Royal Velvet as she made a winning return in an 18-runner 7f handicap at Newmarket on Apr 16. To win that race by 2¾ lengths was an indication that she had reappeared an even better model, now aged 5, and so it proved on her first try in Stakes company. 

With regular rider William Buick on board, Royal Velvet was backed into 11/8 favouritism for the 7-runner Chartwell, and she picked off her rivals late to win by ¾ length from La Brodeuse. 

Royal Velvet has now won 9 of her 21 starts, a fine advert for her sire Lightning Spear. 

Her trainer William Knight told the media: 

“She’s just been nicely progressive and it’s nice to get some important black type on her page. I’m delighted and she’s certainly enhanced her paddock value.

“She’s took the move up in grade well and William has given a beautiful ride there. We were conscious not to get caught in on the rail and he made sure he angled out for a run and he gets on so well with her.”

Three of Royal Velvet’s wins have come over 1m and she could step back up in trip for the Gr.2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot. 

Royal Velvet is the first Stakes winner by Lightning Spear and the first foal out of Epaulette mare Velvet Morn, who won 2 races for Royal Velvet’s connections, albeit at a much lower level.

Breeders looking for a bargain can use Lightning Spear for just £3,000 (Oct 1^st SLF) – contact our Nominations Team now on 01452 700 177.