[T]op trainer Mick Channon believes a leading flat race has a bright future at Carlisle Racecourse.
The Ebfstallions.com Eternal Stakes is the richest race of the day at the city track’s big June 28 meeting – when the historic Carlisle Bell and Cumberland Plate are also contested.
The £40,000 Eternal Stakes attracts the highest level of flat, three-year-old fillies. It was one of Channon’s brightest, Opal Tiara, that stormed to victory at the Blackwell track last year.
That was the start of an impressive run of form which has seen her move up in class – and win.
After romping home over a mile last June she went on to win at York and Goodwood and there followed a winter success in Dubai. This season opened with a good second at the Curragh and she’s now set to run in the £135,000 Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday (June 21).
Channon says Opal Tiara’s success is good news for Carlisle as other trainers will have noted the form of the race.
Channon said: “She certainly hasn’t let the race down, has she? It was a really good test at Carlisle, it always is, she ran steady and took her chance.
“We always knew she was good, but we didn’t know how good. Since Carlisle she’s stepped up and won in both a (higher level) Group 3 and Group 2 race.
“She’s entered for the Duke of Cambridge next week and if the conditions are right I think she’s got a good chance. We’ve got some other Group 2s lined up and maybe a Group 1 depending how she goes.”
Channon, who regularly sends horses from his West Ilsley stables on the 580-mile round trip to Carlisle, said the success meant he would be looking to back the Eternal Stakes in the future.
He added: “We’d like to send another filly up. I’ve got one in mind for the future, she’s pencilled in for that race because it is a good test.”
Three-year-old fillies for the Eternal Stakes are the cream of the crop and represent less than one per cent of the entire population of racing horses.
Keeping this listed race in Cumbria is a feather in the cap for Carlisle, which was originally only granted the running for two years when it moved from Warwick.
Such has been the success in attracting top quality prospects, the race will continue to be held at Carlisle, adding extra prestige to an already sparkling day.
Racecourse general manager Geraldine McKay said: “For us to get eight-plus quality runners shows we are getting great support for the race.
“On the very same day we have the history and tradition of the Carlisle Bell and Cumberland Plate and it all adds up to make for a very special day of racing.”
Gates on June 28 open at noon. First race is at 2pm, last race 5pm. Advance tickets from www.carlisle.thejockeyclub.co.uk start at £12.50 for groups and £14 individuals.
