UK: Motivado Win Sets Up York Assignment

Sunday, 5 August 2012: An easy victory by the Sir Mark Prescott-trained Motivado in the Toyo Tires Performance Handicap was part of a plan to land York's Betfred Ebor Handicap.

A very, tall horse by stallion Motivator, Motivado  needed to win today to gain a 5lb penalty and improve his chance of making the cut for York on August 25. Luke Morris duly drilled the gelding home by five lengths and a short head from A Boy Named Suzi and Solar Sky.

Sir Mark said: "He didn't run at well at Newcastle [on his season's debut in June], although I was less worried after York [last month] and I'm much relieved today. That's the progression.

"Whenever he has won he has never looked to be going very well in the middle of the race, in other words you have to get him settled and switched off, and at York he just moved up quickly enough, whereas today it all went smoothly for him.

"You'll never see a bigger horse, and like all Motivators they have the ability to be good and the ability to throw it away. He's getting better mentally and I was delighted with him today. He's a very, good worker and he shows speed, although the big thing all his life has been to settle, settle, settle.

"I had it in mind to head straight to the [Betfred] Ebor, but even my maths could work out he wouldn't get in, so he had to turn up here [collect a penalty] and win. The days when a 93-rated horse could get into that race seem to be gone - these handicaps are so competitive."

Jockey Luke Morris was riding his first Glorious Goodwood winner and 100th of the year. When asked why he first booked Morris, Sir Mark said: "81 winners through the winter. Anyone who can stick at it, work like that and ride that many winners for so many trainers must be pretty good. He and Chris Catlin have done a good job for us this year.

"All trainers have their idea of the type of jockey they like, whether it's the great artist or the professional, and I'm very lucky to have three professional jockeys [the third being Seb Sanders] riding for me."

Morris added: "He just fell asleep really and was very lazy in behind. I have given him a squeeze and he took me by surprise how well he picked up. He has won it quite nicely in the end.

He's a lovely big scopey horse and hopefully there will be a few more nice days with him. He is hopefully going to get stronger as the season goes on. It's my first Glorious Goodwood winner and my 100th of the year, so it's nice to get it up on this fellow for Sir Mark."