The Kennet Valley Syndicate can start preparing their top hats and tails after Night In Vegas’ impressive win at Ascot on Saturday.
The son of Lucky Vega settled well after an initially awkward beginning, tracking Godolphin’s Victory Gold. Charles Bishop pressed the button just after two out, and came home strong, pulling clear of the third.
Purchased from Tatts October Book 3 for 60,000 GNS, he was given a glowing reputation by the trainer last month. In Dan Briden’s two-year-old guide for Sporting Life, Eve Johnston Houghton stated: “A really nice horse who isn’t far away at all. I actually almost entered him this weekend but just wanted a bit longer. He shows us loads of ability and I would be hoping he can show up well when he does run. Otherwise we might be struggling this year!”
Show up well he did, beating the power houses of Godolphin and Clarehaven. Kennett Valley Syndicate manager Sam Hoskins was thrilled with the performance as he told the Press association, via Racing TV: “We are very excited, we went there hopeful of a promising run. Eve has been very bullish about him all spring, he has a very good temperament at home.
Back to Ascot the ‘obvious’ choice for Night In Vegas
Eve Johnston Houghton has won the Windsor Castle twice since 2021, and that would’ve been the main Ascot aim. However, due to the new conditions, being by Lucky Vega means he is not eligible.
“We know he likes the track now. So it is obvious to go back to Ascot for the Royal meeting” said Hoskins. The Windsor Castle has had its conditions changed. It’s now over six furlongs which would suit. But he is not eligible based on the sire conditions as Lucky Vega never won beyond six furlongs. So it will be the Coventry.
“It means going up against Aidan O’Brien and his million dollar babies. But that’s the great thing about racing – you can get David versus Goliath and he would have every right to line up in that race. A run before Ascot isn’t out of the question, I haven’t spoken too much to Eve about it yet. But there’s an idea that he could go for the Woodcote.”
Houghton won the Woodcote with Bobsleigh in 2023, who was later beaten three lengths in the Coventry Stakes.
“The Coventry is the target though. It is very exciting for us to have a Royal Ascot horse on our hands. Particularly with the retirement of Sir Busker and the delay to Calendar Girl’s season. We had about 25 owners there on Saturday and it was a huge thrill for them all.”
The admirable Sir Busker was purchased for £25,000 as a yearling in 2018, subsequently winning £176,983 in prize money. Calendar Girl has had just the four races, but has amassed £259,587 in prize money after winning the valuable two-year-old Stakes race at Doncaster last season. With a proven track record of acquiring shrewd talent combined with a genius in training sprinters, Night In Vegas looks to have a hugely promising career ahead of him.