In a dramatic contest that saw hot favourite Idaho appear to take a false step just under four furlongs out and unship Seamie Heffernan, Harbour Law made history for his trainer Laura Mongan, who also became the first woman to train the victor of the prestigious race.
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Idaho’s trainer Aidan O’Brien still looked best-placed to capitalise with Housesofparliament passing the prominently-ridden Muntahaa and becoming engaged in a duel for first prize with Ventura Storm. Ventura Storm just edged Houseofparliament by a head at the wire for second. Heffernan suffered a bloody nose and was taken to the hospital for further checks.
“We’ve had a lot of faith in this horse but did we think he would win the St Leger? They say that the horse must have stumbled, but it looked like he might have clipped heels to me”. We knew we could leave it to him. We have a great team at home and it proves that we can do it with the right ammunition and it proves that Epsom can do it.
“To go down in history as the first woman to win it is fantastic, at least I’ve done something right”.
“We haven’t had any offers today – I probably won’t answer the phone”.
“I am so happy for Laura and Ian (Mongan – former jockey and Laura’s husband) because they have had so much belief in him”.
“Of all the horses we have who are rated 50, 60, 70, 80, he is the easiest horse to train”.
“Henry Cecil sat me down three or four years ago and told me that good horses make good trainers and jockeys and that is exactly what happened today”.
William Haggas could hardly be described as disappointed by Rivet winning the At The Races Champagne Stakes but his demeanour suggested he was expecting him to have done it by more than a neck.
“He had a very hard race there so I’d imagine that’s it for the season”.
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Idaho appeared to be unharmed after the incident, galloping off riderless before being corralled. Incredible drama with the hot favourite unseated in front of a big crowd of 30,000 and I am delighted for connections of Harbour Law.
