Ryan Hill took a punt and he was handsomely rewarded when London’s Image won the Listed Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Wednesday.
In a nail-biting finish, London’s Image led from barrier to post and withstood the surging finishes of runner-up Ron’s Finalflutter and third placegetter, Flower Of Gold.
London’s Image’s shock win at $55.10, gave Ryan Hill his best success since becoming a trainer, sharing the spoils with his partner, jockey, Victoria Corver, who rode her first black type winner.
Hill made the quick transition to training in 2021, two weeks after hanging up his silks and riding 479 winners in WA including one in his native England.
Hill claimed four Listed wins as a jockey, including booting home his first feature winner as an apprentice aboard New Spice in the Tattersall’s Cup, but admitted winning the Burgess Queen trumped anything he accomplished as a rider.
“It’s not the biggest race in the world, but it means a lot to us,” Hill said on Tabradio.
“We put a lot of time and effort into these things.
“It means so much more when you train them.”
In a sliding doors moment, Hill can thank a change of heart and the advice of friend, ace jockey, Chris Parnham in acquiring London’s Image for a modest price tag.
Purchased for $20,000 at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, she’s quickly showed her worth.
“I was umming and ahhing about going to Adelaide and Chris was over there riding one for Danny Morton.” Hill said.
“I gave him five horses to look at and said if any of these look any good I will fly over.
“He said that one (London’s Image) looks like a nice filly and I was surprised what price I got her for.
“I was very happy with the breeding and the way she looked; I was very happy with that.
“For all of it to come to place and to win the race means a lot.”
Despite the sentimental win, London’s Image doesn’t come without her issues for Hill, her chief crime a tendency to shift ground outwards and there was cause for concern post-race.
Her troublesome trait was in play in the final 200m when she made contact with Diamond Dancer, with jockey Luke Campbell lodging a protest alleging interference.
London’s Image survived the protest, but spoiling an otherwise elite day for Corver was copping a 10-day suspension for careless riding.
Further black type success awaits London’s Image with Hill indicating the Group 3 Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) looks a suitable race.
“I think we go Champion Fillies at this stage,” Hill said.
“On her breeding, her mother won the Oaks and is a full to Perfect Reflection.
“For me yesterday’s black type is massive just from a broodmare point of view later on.”
