Turner revels in Ascot success

Hayley Turner expressed her delight after riding Ripp Orf to victory in the totescoop6 Victoria Cup at Ascot on Saturday.

Turner was buried in the large 27-runner field for much of the race but she produced a brilliant, patient ride to guide Ripp Orf though the field, picking off her competitors one by one.

In a thrilling finish, the 35-year-old charged to the line on David Elsworth’s charge to win by a neck from Zhui Feng in second, with Sea Fox and Sabador coming in a close third and fourth respectively.

The victory was a moment of redemption for the British jockey, who resumed her career as a full-time jockey in March, having been banned for three months last December because of bets she placed on an account she had opened after she retired from riding in 2015.

Reacting to the win, Turner said: “Oh my god! Can you believe what’s just happened? David Elsworth and the lads gave me so much confidence and told me to ride him how I wanted, and riding him with confidence certainly helped.

“Josephine Gordon won this race last year and I was up there on the podium with the ITV crew, who are such a good laugh, but it was better being on the horse.

“It’s a massive win and good for my bank account as well! I’m going to make sure I keep enjoying it this time because I don’t want to have to retire again.”