3 minute read

Warren Fentiman proved why he was making waves in the apprentice sphere when firing Stormy Impact to an impressive victory in the Betfred 3YO Dash Handicap Stakes at Epsom.

Held up off the pace under the highly sought-after 5lb claimer, Stormy Impact came with a wet-sail down the centre of the track to get the better of the Robert Cowell-trained Lexington Blitz, who finished a length back in third.

The 11/4 favourite Ruby's Profit showed bundles of early speed towards the rail, but she couldn't quite match the finishing kick of the front pair and ultimately had to settle for the bronze medal.

Fentiman, who was enjoying his first winner at Epsom at the tender age of 17, said: "I was going to go to the stands rail, but I knew there wouldn't be a gap for me, so I've just gone down the middle, took a risk and hopefully it's paid off.

"She's a very nice filly. Dad will be delighted to see me have a winner like this on Derby Day. It's just a dream really.

"I can't thank Richard enough for the support and letting me ride on a big day like this, it's a privilege.

"Early on I thought she was outpaced and how these Epsom races are run they keep on going. I thought if we got placed, I would be delighted, but all of a sudden, she changed her stride and has just gone. As I was coming up to the leaders, I thought I could have this in the bag, and she was brilliant."

Richard Fahey added: "It's a new race, but I've never actually won a sprint on Derby Day so that was brilliant.

"She'll definitely go to Royal Ascot now for the Palace of Holyrood, that's the route for her now.

"At halfway we were near last, and they must have gone very quick as she's not slow and she was struggling to lay up with them.

"I came here confident, but I was struggling to find the right race for her. I had to run her over six furlongs at Newmarket, but I think five furlongs is her forte, she's all speed."