18/08/2022
UK
York
World Pool Moment Of The Day
Yorkshire Oaks Day, York
Thursday saw the World Pool in operation for a second day at York. It was a day of competitive racing that threw up a few surprises, including a big-priced winner of the Lowther.
However, the Yorkshire Oaks was the feature of the day and it went the way of serial G1 winner Alpinista. Trained by Sir Mark Prescott and ridden by Luke Morris, it marked the popular grey’s first win at the highest level on home soil after a succession of G1 triumphs in Europe.
In characteristically willing style she swept by La Petite Coco in the final two furlongs, before holding off the challenge of three-year-old Tuesday at the finish, in the conclusion to a fascinating race.
The manner of her performance made choosing the World Pool Moment of the Day an easy task, and afterwards Alpinista’s groom, Annabel Willis, was on hand to receive the prize.
“It was just the most unbelievable feeling, she’s a pleasure to handle in every way and is a brilliant character. Every day with her is a dream,” she said about the five-year-old that she has looked after at the Prescott stable since she arrived as a yearling.
“She definitely had quite a sassy temperament as a yearling, but as she’s got older, she’s matured massively.
“She’s very regal around the yard now. I always thought she was special, but I didn’t know how special. She keeps giving more back every time.”
Unable to hide her surprise about winning the £1000 first prize and bottle of champagne, Willis said: “Oh my God! That’s amazing, I had no idea that was going to happen!”
A delighted Annabel Willis, groom of Alphinsta, picks up the World Pool Moment of the Day prize from Nick Luck.
