Ebor Festival: Magnificent Marsha cuts Frankie Dettori down to land Nunthorpe Stakes

Marsha ridden by Luke Morris (second left) narrowly wins The Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York. Picture: Simon Cooper/PA.

The Italian thought that American filly Lady Aurelia had just clung on to a rapidly diminishing lead, but the photo-finish went to Sir Mark Prescott’s sprinter who was ridden superlatively by Luke Morris.

The two fillies had pulled well clear of their rivals – Battaash dropped out of the reckoning after playing up a story while the David Griffiths-trained 10-year-old Take Cover was unable to land a blow.

Marsha’s win in the colours of the Elite Racing Club syndicate was a major boost for the winning trainer and jockey who team up with Flymetothestars in today’s Ebor.

The victory was summed up by a disbelieving Morris who initially wasn’t sure of the outcome. “I wasn’t sure and when I saw Frankie put his arm up, I was gutted as I thought he had won, then someone said congratulations to me and it turned into jubilation,” said the jockey.

“Sir Mark is a genius. I have been with him five years now and we’ve had some great days.

“It’s fantastic for the owners. It’s great for the man in the street to be involved with a horse like this.”