Lightning Bear strikes for Davison & Joyce

Jack Davison and Wesley Joyce combined to land the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden with Lightning Bear (7/1, from 10s on the show).

The Kuroshio gelding, related to the stable's winning sprinters Scorchio and Thunderbear, was third at Cork last month and was fitted with cheekpieces for this second start.

Having tracked the pacesetters towards the outer, he was ridden to lead a furlong out and went away to account for market leader Oxford Rock by a length-and-three-quarters.

It was winner number 18 of the campaign for Joyce which leaves him four behind Wayne Hassett who is currently top of the apprentice standings.

Davison said: "I thought he was overpriced and I was sure he would come forward significantly from his first run - more so than most of ours usually would. 

"Wesley gave him a super ride and it just keeps everything going really well. I can't believe how it has all come together so nicely. 

"He's a homebred as well - I actually bought him directly from my father at Goffs Book 2 for five grand, minimum bid,and here we are. He has won a 50 grand bonus and a bit of prize money. 

"Now I've to bring all the lads to Vegas as a little treat! 

"It is the inception of the (Jack Davison) racing club and we have got the dream result. A couple of the lads are here today and we'll have a party in the near future I'm sure. 

"He'll go for the half million (Goffs Million), he's a nice type of horse and whatever he does from here onwards, will be a bonus. 

"I just want to compliment the lads on doing such a good job because as a youngster he was tricky to break and get going. You need a couple of experts around you with the tricky ones. 

"I'm lucky I am able to stand here and get interviewed or receive the trophy, but there is a lot of work behind the scenes and I'm really lucky with the team I have."

Quotes from Michael Graham