Texas proves pure gold at Haydock
Willie Muir’s late decision to withdraw Texas Gold from last Saturday’s Vodafone Stewards’ Cup was rewarded when the consistent gelding took the opening race at Haydock Park today.
The ground at Goodwood was considered “too tacky” for the seven-year-old and the Lambourn trainer decided to wait for the coral.co.uk Handicap.
The heavily-backed 3-1 favourite came fast and late under Kieren Fallon to claim the £17,466 (€25,000) first prize by half a length from Talbot Avenue, with Forever Phoenix a neck away in third.
Muir said: “We were very disappointed last week but the horse doesn’t like sticky ground and there was only one decision to make.
“When I looked at the calendar at Goodwood I saw this race coming up so I thought we’d come here. He’ll have to go back for the Portland (at Doncaster) now. He got beaten a short head in it last year drawn one or two, which was a great run.
“He’ll go for the Portland but the handicapper might stop me and he might have to go for something better.”
