Stateside success for Hungerford’s Marquand after Tom leads Big Evs to Breeders’ Cup triumph

Hungerford jockey Tom Marquand enjoyed success Stateside when he won the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint aboard the Mick Appleby-trained Big Evs in California.

Moving into the lead a furlong from home, Marquand’s mount saw off the challenge of Royal Ascot winner Valiant Force to finish half a length clear as European contenders made up the top three at the famous US meeting, which was held in Santa Anita.

The victory capped a near-perfect debut season for Big Evs, who won at both Royal Ascot and Goodwood.

“He had the speed today,” Marquand reflected in the winners’ enclosure after the race.

“He did break half a length slower than a couple of them, but he hits up gear and he trucks along.

“It wasn’t the smoothest but he got the hang of it halfway around.”

Mick Appleby, who made his name as a prolific trainer of winners on the all-weather, added: “A small yard like this, I’m grateful for the whole team.

“They all deserve it because they worked all year.”