Profitable claimed victory in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot as jockey Adam Kirby’s girlfriend gave birth to a baby boy.
A third successive win came for Clive Cox‘s sprinter as made a strong start before holding off the challenge from Cotai Glory on testing ground to secure the win by a neck, with Goken a further length back in third place.
Kirby was delighted with the win – similar to the feeling you get when winning with William Hill – and confirmed that he went into the race having left his girlfriend Megan in labour following a 2am start on Tuesday.
The news of son Charlie’s birth was given to him just before the race and he celebrated with a win in the five-furlong race.
“It’s all been a bit hectic, not for me but for Megan,” he said. “She’s coped and knew it was a big day for me so she’s let me go to work. I’ll never stop thanking her for that. She was going through it when I left her in the hospital.
“I think she had the baby half an hour before the first race
“He’s a big boy. He weighs 9lb something. We’ll enjoy today. It’s been a great day. There’s no way to describe it.
“I’ll never forget his birthday.”
He added on Profitable: “I think he’s the best five-furlong horse I’ve ever ridden. His cruising speed is phenomenal. I’m delighted for everyone involved, but, more importantly, I’m delighted for Clive.”
