It’s official – “I think he’s the best I’ve ever trained.”

Steven Reid has known it for a while, but for the first time live on television tonight he said Jumal (Downbytheseaside-SBSR) is the best horse he’s ever trained.

“I’m not taking anything away from any other horse, but I think he’s the best horse I’ve trained,” he said.

The three year old, helped by an astute controlling drive by Blair Orange, sat parked for most of the trip in tonight’s $100,000 Group One Braxton Farriers Three Year Old Flying Stakes and won by three lengths from Sonofamistery, with Franco Lomu a nose back in third.

“When I heard the lead time I thought the lead might be there for Blair but he didn’t even try for the front,” said Reid. “The parked position is his friend. He relaxes and Blair knows him so well. I said before the race that I hoped he could run off and he did. He’s such a good horse.”

It’s the fourth time Reid has won the Flying Stakes – his other winners were Gold Ace who deadheated with Terror To Love in 2011, Monkey King in 2006 and Bailey’s Dream 2005.

JUMAL REPLAY

It’s also the fourth time Orange has won the three year old feature as he won in 2020 with Copy That, 2021 with Krug and 2024 with Chase A Dream.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink