Son Of Churchill Builds On Encouraging Debut

Encourager (2g Churchill - Miss Frangipane, by Acclamation) built on a promising debut to justify favouritism in Monday’s seven furlong Novice Stakes at Kempton.

The James Fanshawe-trained bay was drawn wide when finishing fifth over course and distance last month, but had the benefit of being drawn against the rail on Monday. Racing prominently under Daniel Muscutt, he was pushed along from two furlongs out and was ridden to challenge inside the final furlong. He led close home to beat Screaming Eagle (Saxon Warrior) by a short head, with a neck back to long-time leader Western (Magna Grecia) in third.

Encourager was bought by Suzanne Roberts as a yearling for 210,000gns and now carries the colours of Ben CM Wong. The son of Churchill was bred by GHS Bloodstock and Mrs Ann Foley.