Avenger makes great start for English

A 14,000 guineas purchase at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale last month, Red Avenger (16/1) made a quick and sizeable return on the investment when landing the Floodlit Friday Nights Rated Race under Rory Cleary.

Having his first start for the Damian English yard, the War Front six-year-old came home in front by three parts of a length and a neck from Reckless Lad and The Mouse Doctor

Red Avenger had tracked the leaders through the mile heat, he travelled well into second two furlongs out, and challenged and led a hundred and fifty yards out.

The Grougha Stables Limited-owned victor then kept on well in the closing stages.

"I can't take too much credit as I only have him less than a month," said English.

"I bought him in Newmarket and Gaelic Bloodstock gave me some good advice, pointing him in my direction.

"I wouldn't normally go over there to buy a six-year-old but it's worked out well. It's the most money I've ever spent on a horse over at that sale so I'm glad it's worked out.

"He was a very good horse in his day. How much of that ability he still retains I don't know but we're going to have a bit of fun finding out by the looks of it.

"We've done very little with him, just freshened him up, brought him to the beach and let him walk in the sea - things like that.

"He had a breeze around here the other day and worked very well so we were quietly confident.

"He'll tip away over the winter here and then we might freshen him up for the summer."

(GC & EM)