Ile De Re on the top of his game in the John Smith's Northumberland Plate at Newcastle
Renowned trainer, Donald McCain, had a reason to be proud, and that reason was Ile De Re’s victory in the John Smith's Northumberland Plate (Heritage Handicap) at Newcastle on 30th June, 2012.
With jockey Jim Crowley on his back, the son of Linamix, out of mare Ile Mamou, justified his status as a favourite, and claimed the victory by a margin of half-length over Crackentorp, who is trained by Tim Easterby.
Whereas the Jim Goldie trained, Icon Dream stood in third place.
Pleased with the performance of his runner, the trainer appreciated how well he handled the distance of two miles.
He added that, now it is time for the runner to rest, but he’s excited about running him in winter. McCain told the media that:
"I had him three weeks before Chester. I've got a great team at home and when we have a target, it's not very often they get it wrong. I don't know what's next. He's had two very tough races now, so we'll get him home and go quietly for a couple of
weeks and see how he is.”
The grey gelding claimed a brilliant victory in the StanJames.com Chester Cup (Heritage Handicap) at Chester on 9th May, 2012, where he briskly covered the distance of 2 miles and 2 ½ furlongs, and finished 1 ¾ lengths before
his stable-mate, Overturn.
Donald McCain has an impeccable reputation when it comes to Flat handicaps, and over the course of his career, he has saddled a number of winners.
Overturn emerged victorious from the John Smith's Northumberland Plate (Heritage Handicap) on 26th June, 2010, where he defeated the Luca Cumani trained, Drunken Sailor, by 2 ¾ lengths.
The son of Barathea, out of mare Kristal Bridge, also claimed the Totesport.com Chester Cup (Heritage Handicap) at Chester the following year.
On 4th May, 2011, he finished 1 ¾ lengths before Tastahil, where he raced in the capable hands of rider, Eddie Ahern.
Ile De Re is the first runner since 1974, who has claimed both these victories in the same season; previously it was Attivo, who held this honour.
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