Scenic delivered a dominant performance in the British EBF & Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes at York, securing a decisive victory for Ed Walker.
The four-year-old, expertly ridden by three-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy, settled in second last for much of the mile-and-a-half race. Murphy held his position until the final stages, when he began to advance as the rest of the field struggled.
By the two-furlong marker, Scenic had joined the frontrunner Karmology, who had become the favourite after the morning withdrawals of Simon and Ed Crisford’s Fairy Glen and William Haggas’s Sea Just In Time. Scenic then showcased an impressive turn of foot, pulling clear to win by three and three-quarter lengths at 8-1.
This win provided Ed Walker with a black-type double on the day, following Celandine’s triumph in the Group Two Sky Bet Lowther Stakes earlier.
Walker commented: “It took us ten races to get a win with her, but there were always reasons why it hadn’t happened before. The race unfolded perfectly for her today, and Oisin gave her a superb ride. She outstayed the competition. She should have won last time over further but got to the front too early and pricked her ears. She doesn’t do much when she’s in front. It’s a significant win for David and Sue Ward, who have been great supporters, including with Starman. Oisin, who rode her last year and was disappointed, rode her smoothly today. We’re considering the Park Hill but may also look at the Prix Royallieu, as she might not stay in training next year—David and Sue prefer to focus on breeding.”