Laura Mongan created history on Saturday by becoming the first woman trainer to win the St Leger after Harbour Law’s victory.
The Epsom trainer watched as favourite Idaho’s race was ended when rider Seamie Heffernan was unseated following a stumble and left Harbour Law in a scrap with Housesofparliament and Ventura Storm, which he came through under the guidance of jockey George Baker.
Afterwards Mongan, who is also the first trainer from Epsom to win a Classic since Right Tack’s success in the 1969 2000 Guineas, said: “We saw him in the paddock and we couldn’t believe how well he looked. It’s all a bit surreal at the moment – a lot of screaming – but this is brilliant.
“George has ridden the horse all the time. He knows exactly what to do and we left it all in his hands today as we knew he would know what to do.”
Her husband Ian Mongan added on Channel 4 Racing: “We’ve had a lot of faith in this horse but did we think he would win the St Leger? Maybe. He has come up against the best of the best. From a little yard in Epsom, we are taking on the mighty power of Coolmore and all the other trainers.
“Henry Cecil sat me down three or four years ago and told me that good horses make good trainers and jockeys and that is exactly what happened today.
“He is a good horse. We were lucky that he came into our yard and all you have to do is feed them well and train them well and they’ve got engines and take you to special places.
This horse has taken us to the St Leger – a Classic race. No woman trainer has ever won this race and Laura has done it today.”
