Not So Sleepy made a triumphant farewell in the Dubai Duty Free Autumn Cup Handicap at Newbury, likely marking his final racecourse appearance.
The 12-year-old has been a stalwart for trainer Hughie Morrison and owner Lady Blyth, securing six victories on both the Flat and over hurdles. His jumping accolades include two Fighting Fifth Hurdles, where he famously dead-heated with Epatante at Newcastle in 2021 before claiming an outright win in a rearranged race at Sandown last December.
Originally set to retire after the Ebor at York last month, quick ground led him to this one-mile-five-furlong contest, which he also won last year. With heavy ground conditions to his advantage, Not So Sleepy was sent off at 10-1 under Tom Marquand, who got him off to a strong start, leading from the front.
As the race unfolded, challengers began to emerge, and while Not So Sleepy was briefly headed by Our Golden One, he fought back impressively, regaining the lead and maintaining his advantage all the way to the finish line.
He crossed the line one and three-quarter lengths ahead of Chillingham, much to his owner’s delight. Lady Blyth said, "That was brilliant, just brilliant. Just like last year, when it seemed like they might get the better of him, he came right back at them. While it’s an option to keep going, I think we’re going to stop while we’re ahead."
Morrison noted that the testing conditions had boosted his confidence going into the race. "He always performs well on this ground," he explained. "I told Tom not to go too far ahead, but not to let them get too far away either, because I knew he’d come back to them. He’s quite easy to train; he leads the morning exercise and is charming in the stable—so easy that a child could ride him."
With this victory, Not So Sleepy added £36,000 to his career total, bringing his earnings to over £600,000 across 69 races that began at Nottingham in October 2014. Morrison highlighted several personal milestones, including his maiden win and a Listed Dee Stakes victory at Chester, but he considers the dead heat with Epatante his finest moment.
"Looking back, I really enjoyed the day he first won, watching from the Green Room at Tattersalls," Morrison recalled. "And the Dee Stakes was significant, beating a strong field including Smuggler’s Cove from Ireland. But his best performance was definitely the dead heat with Epatante, giving her 7lb at Newcastle. It’s great that he has a loyal fan club, and I know he’ll be more relaxed once he’s out of the racing scene."