Lord Melbourne caps excellent campaign for Beckett

Ralph Beckett ended what has been a memorable season in terrific fashion by saddling Lord Melbourne to win the Virgin Bet November Handicap at Doncaster.

Beckett won the 2005 renewal with Come On Jonny when it was one of the highlights of his year but such has been his success this term, the trophy will be struggling for space on the mantlepiece.

He began the campaign with a gap to fill as Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe runner-up Westover had been retired to stud, but winning a couple of Classic trials in May and the Middleton Stakes with Bluestocking signalled what was to come.

Bluestocking went on to win the Pretty Polly in Ireland before landing the Prix Vermeille and the Arc, while You Got To Me claimed the Irish Oaks and Starlust was on target in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.

Having had over 40 juvenile winners too, next season looks bright, just as it does for the winning jockey Jack Doughty, who may have come up short in the apprentice title race but advertised his talents once again with a nerveless ride.

Sent off at 14-1, Doughty smuggled Lord Melbourne into contention before seeing off Waxing Gibbous and Oneforthegutter by a length and a head.

Beckett also fielded the better-fancied Valvano, who ran on into fifth.

“Jack gave him a lovely ride. He’s a push-button ride, which is why he’s suited (amateur jockeys) Serena Brotherton and Simon Walker this year,” said Beckett.

“He didn’t really travel today but Jack kept him in the hunt and he kept finding.

“I won the race 19 years ago – I haven’t actually won that much more today – but it’s lovely to win it again.

“Valvano was a bit gassy early and didn’t really get the breaks. Hector (Crouch, jockey) thought he’d go close a furlong down but he’s still learning his job. He’ll be a nice horse next year.”

Doughty said: “It’s a great way to end what has been a good season.

“Before the race, Mr Beckett told me he could hit a flat spot but once I got him back on the bridle, he was very game and kept finding.

“That’s the highlight of the season for me, on the last day!”

There was no fairytale ending for Jimmy Quinn, who finished well down the field on Dark Moon Rising on his final ride.