Son Of Australia Not For Catching In Newmarket Group 2

Sir Ron Priestley (5c Australia - Reckoning, by Danehill Dancer) produced an impressive front-running performance to win the Group 2 Betfair Exchange Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket.

A five-time winner as a three-year-old, including at Group 3 level, the St Leger runner-up missed all of last season, but made a fine impression on return last month when landing a Listed contest. Dropping back to a mile and a half on Saturday, he was sent off joint-favourite under Franny Norton, who rode Mark Johnston’s charge to make all. Pushed to go clear approaching the final furlong, he score by two and a quarter lengths, as his rivals did their best to narrow the gap.

The son of Australia has plenty of options going forward, according to Johnston, who said, “Looking at this, you wouldn't rule him out running really well in those top middle distance races. I wouldn't rule out the Yorkshire Cup for him, as it's reasonable money in these times, but then races like the Hardwicke and the King George would be what I'd have in mind for him.”

Bred by Mascalls Stud, Sir Ron Priestley has earned over £400,000 in prize money for owner Paul Dean.