Jagger wins opening race at Chester
Jagger, an honourable sixth in the totesport Ebor on Wednesday, gained a long-overdue success in the opening race at Chester today.
Gerard Butler’s five-year-old had not won for almost two years but he came good with a battling effort in the Blue Square Chester Handicap.
Masafi, the 7-4 favourite, set out to make all the running tracked by Jagger on the inside.
The market leader was still in front as they turned for home with Darryll Holland switching Jagger out to make his challenge.
A battle royal ensued and it was not until they were in the shadow of the post that Butler’s 5-1 shot nosed ahead for a short-head call.
“If any horse deserved to get his head in front it was this guy,” said a delighted Butler.
“Last year in the Northumberland Plate and the Ebor it all went wrong with the ground and then we took him to Dubai and he was sick after travelling.
“After that turmoil he worked well before Goodwood so we knew we had him back and then he ran so well the other day. We took the chance to come here but he had eaten up so well.
“There are other races coming up but we’ll just wait with him. It was a huge effort again today and we don’t want to get greedy at this stage.”
