Classy Churchill Colt Comes Out On Top

The future looks bright for pricey breeze-up purchase Tuscan (2c Churchill - Orcia, by Shamardal), who ran out a smart winner of Friday’s seven furlong Novice Stakes at Thirsk.

Sent off favourite under PJ McDonald, Charlie Hills’ charge chased the leader for much of the way and was asked to quicken approaching the final furlong. Leading inside the final 110 yards, the bay kept on well to win by three parts of the length, with the front pair drawing six and a half lengths clear of the field.

Bred by Kildaragh Stud, Tuscan is owned by John and Jess Dance, who bought the colt for 135,000gns at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale. He continues a strong start for Churchill, whose daughter Ladies Church impressed in the Listed Marwell Stakes last month.