After serving a six-month ban for testing positive for cocaine last August, jockey Ray Dawson secured his first victory at Bath riding the Roger Varian-trained So Deuce in the mile maiden race. Dawson, who had returned to racing last month, expressed his joy at finally getting back in the winner's circle after nearly nine months.
“Personally, it’s a great moment and one I’ve been looking forward to a long time,” Dawson said in an interview with Racing TV. “Roger has been very supportive, so it’s great to get that first winner back for him. With the ban I received it was always going to take time. Naturally, it was getting frustrating, but you just have to be patient and keep doing the right things.”
Trainer George Boughey had high hopes for Pentle Bay in the Listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, even before his debut. The plan seemed more promising after the debut race, where the son of New Bay, purchased for €55,000 at the Arqana Breeze-Up sale, won the 6f maiden under a patient ride by Jamie Spencer. Boughey was pleased with the performance and saw the potential for Pentle Bay to excel over longer distances in the future, believing that the stiff seven furlongs at Ascot would suit him well.