Dandy upsets Goodwood odds again

It was even more ironic that the aptly-named Evens and Odds, second 12 months ago, should prevail for the Thirsk trainer; it saw him maintain the numerical sequence of winning the prestigious handicap every five years following the triumphs of Tayseer (2000) and Gift Horse (2005).

Nicholls, who also won the race as a jockey aboard Soba in 1982, has a remarkable record with sprinters – and the 20,000 guineas that he paid for the horse two years ago looks like a bargain after collecting the 62,310 first prize.

The Ayr Gold Cup is the likely target for the progressive six-year-old, a winner on his second career start at Beverley as long ago as July, 2006.

Evens and Odds, a heavily backed 20-1 chance, also benefited from an inspired ride by young apprentice Billy Cray, who swooped late to deny pacesetter Jonny Mudball, who is owned by footballer Jonathan Woodgate's family.

Nicholls was quick to praise 22-year-old Cray, saying of the Bermondsey boy: "I've never had any doubts about Billy. He's always in the right place at the right time, and I'm so pleased for him, for the yard and for the staff.

"I think we all want the type of horses that can win it and I've been very lucky to win it three times, while always having sprinters that can compete at the highest handicap level."

Nicholls, recording his third victory at the meeting, also revealed that Evens And Odds had not been straightforward to train in comparison to the other top sprinters at his yard.

He went on: "He ran in the Guineas for Kevin Ryan but he weaves in his box and seldom settles down.

"He was a bit anxious in the paddock so we took him back into the pre-parade ring."

Cray, who only started in racing straight after leaving school at the age of 16, was overjoyed at winning the biggest race of his fledgling career.

"I jumped quickly and followed Prime Exhibit because I knew he was going to make it. I never thought about another horse coming from behind, I just kept going," he said.

"I went to the Racing School straight from school. I watched racing on the telly and loved what I saw. I wanted to be a part of it. I was with Alan Berry for six months and then with Dominic Ffrench Davis.

"He was the one that got me going and advised me to go to a bigger yard."

The star of Glorious Goodwood was, however, Richard Hughes – the title-chasing jockey won nine races at the meeting to beat a record previously held by Lester Piggott, Johnny Murtagh and Kieren Fallon.

Though Canford Cliffs was his highlight as he confirmed his status as Europe's top miler, Hughes was particularly pleased that the previously unraced Pausanias – part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson – kicked off his double on Saturday. The colt is clearly one to follow.

William Buick stole the riding honours with a brilliant hat-trick at Doncaster on Saturday, the Northern Racing College graduate showing why he is regarded as a champion in the making. The highlight was Buick's ride on Indigo Way – the maiden only hit the front when crossing the line.

He also said that Arctic Cosmos will have an outstanding chance in next month's Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster after finishing an eye-catching third at Goodwood.