November Handicap could be ideal race for our Ascot hero Insanity

Even those cynics who never believe in fairytales might think again when they digest the remarkable success-story behind the victory of Insanity in the mile and a half handicap at Ascot’s Shergar Cup meeting on Saturday.

We predicted as much in previewing the race, but Insanity, ridden by British-born ‘Aussie’ Rachel King, who worked for Alan for many years until deciding to try her luck Down Under at the turn of the century, did not let us down, albeit only winning by a head.

Insanity travelled like a dream for Rachel, and swinging into the straight it looked ‘how far’, but we know from the past that Insanity is not straight forward at either end of a race, being free early on and not finding a great deal when given his head up the straight.

However, Alan had a good chat with Rachel at Olly Murphy’s wedding 24 hours earlier, and their plan worked an absolute treat as Alan later recalled.

Alan said:”I love it when a plan comes together, and, though I’ve not been a huge supporter of the Shergar Cup, this looked the ideal race and to draw Rachel to ride was terrific.

“I think her last ride for me was in a ladies hurdle race at Ludlow 16 years ago. She finished third, but what I’ll always remember is she had around 11st 5lb and there is nothing of her, so she could barely carry the weight cloth out.

“It was great to catch up with Rachel after so many years, and she has given Insanity a lovely ride. I told her that he is a horse who must not hit the front too soon, and she said she counted to 500 before committing him.

“Insanity is an improving horse, but, though he handled that fast ground, he is more effective when he can get his toe in, so he might be one for the November Handicap at Doncaster.

“We have been pleased with how well Insanity jumps, but Max McNeill (co-owner) is keen to stick to the Flat so let’s hope he continues to progress and maybe climb high enough for a tilt at the Duke of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot next season.”

Rachel, who loved being a part of the Rest of the World team, is heading back to Australia on Wednesday but admitted that winning on Insanity for Alan was the icing on the cake for what was a fleeting but wonderful return home.

She said:”Just to get a ride for Alan was special, but to get a winner is even better. I was really proud to have got the job done as Alan had stressed that Insanity was not an easy ride, but in the end he was beautiful in the preliminaries and beautiful during the race.

“All credit to Insanity. He travelled so easily up to the other horse (Dream Harder) and, though Alan warned me that he would not find much off the bridle, I was very patient and he was tough when he had to be.”