Magic Circle lands the Chester Cup for Fran Berry, Ian Williams and Marwan Koukash in tremendous style
Marwan Koukash was celebrating his fourth win in the historic race at Chester
TRAINER Ian Williams worked some Magic to give owner Marwan Koukash his fourth 188Bet Chester Cup.
Magic Circle – snapped up for £73,500 in November – stormed to a six-length victory under Fran Berry to win back more than his sales price.
Thankfully charismatic Koukash couldn’t pull off one trick he’d promised the Chester crowd by making his clothes disappear.
He said: “I wanted to come out to be presented with the trophy only wearing my tie – they wouldn’t allow me to do it.
“This is the one race I always want to win. Now I’ve won it four times – I don’t think any owner has done that before and I doubt it will ever be done again.”
Winning jockey Berry said: “He didn’t really travel well early on but he warmed up into it and off the last bend he picked up really well.
“I came out of here last year thinking if he’d had a good draw he would have won and I was delighted when Ian Williams rang me and told me he’d bought him.
“To get booked to ride him in this race a long time ago (and win) is a great thrill and it means a lot.”
BACK MAGIQUE Top Tipster Steve Mullen's top racing tips for Saturday, May 12
Williams added: “I’ve been telling people all week he was too short in the betting and he was only that price because it was the Marwan effect.
“Watching the race live I thought he looked a bit cold and had lost the advantage of a good draw, but he ended up getting into a good position and he finished like a storm.
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“I must admit I thought his chance had gone when he was three wide. I was gobsmacked he could win from where he was.
“Marwan is easier to deal with than he used to be – he’s less proactive now – but he might not be after this!
“For him to win it four times is great – they should give him the Cup. I think we’ll have to look at the Ebor next.”
Templegate's TV Tips
1.55 Lingfield - Perfect Clarity: 'She will love the step up in trip today'
2.15 Ascot - Machine Learner: 'Still nicely treated and has solid claims'
2.30 Lingfield - Kew Gardens: 'Mixed it with the best last year'
2.50 Ascot - Barsanti: 'His form makes him the clear pick in this race'
3.10 Haydock - Silver Streak: 'Gets his conditions and can take advantage'
3.25 Ascot - Queen Of Time: 'Every chance she'll be even better this season'
3.40 Lingfield - One Master: 'She looks a potential star and should be kept on side'
4.00 Ascot - Keyser Soze: 'This is his optimum trip and his jockey is a genius on the straight course'
The victory completed a quick-fire double for Williams and Koukash as Restorer had won the previous race.
The Chester-loving owner now has his sights set on staying Group races to qualify Magic Circle for the Melbourne Cup.