Cecil off the mark
Former champion trainer Henry Cecil got off the mark for the new season when Parisette ran out a cosy winner at Windsor this evening.
Jimmy Quinn settled the three-year-old in mid-division and when he brought her through with a smooth challenge, she forged readily clear to beat Prithee by a length and three-quarters in the Wilman Interiors Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.
The daughter of Dansili, Cecil’s fourth runner of the campaign, had drifted on course from 9-2 to a starting price of 9-1.
Art Eyes, sent off the 10-11 favourite to continue David Elsworth’s superb start to the campaign, was a major disappointment and never threatened.
Cecil, who was at the track, told At The Races: “Let’s hope it’s not the last!
“I’ve been very lucky over the years. I still enjoy it – even something like this. Maybe during the year I shall come up with something good. It’s always a challenge, but I’m not frustrated and I haven’t quite finished yet.”
The Warren Place maestro, who said he had “60-something” horses this season, added: “I’ve got a bit of talent, but obviously I’m not as strong. I haven’t got the numbers or the quality overall.
“But I have got a few horses who could be let’s say royal cards. I think I’ll take a bit of time and it will be May or June before I come good.”
