Lightning Moon Out To Strike In Sprint

Time/Date - 13.20hrs local time/Saturday, October 17, 2015
Racecourse/Country - Ascot/UK
Surface/Distance - Turf/6f

Lightning Moon returns to Ascot, UK for the six-furlong G1 QIPCO British Champions Sprint, worth £600,000, on Saturday, October 17.

The lightly-raced four-year-old, trained by Ed Walker, was successful over the same course and distance in the G3 John Guest Bengough Stakes just over a year ago, when he got up on the line to beat Danzeno by a head.

The Shamardal colt has made two appearances so far during 2015, coming home eighth, after showing up well for much of the way, in the seven-furlong G2 Saint Gobain Weber Park Stakes at Doncaster on September 12 and finishing seventh over a furlong shorter in the G2 Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes at York on May 13. Lightning Moon was unbeaten in three starts last year.

Ed Walker commented: "Lightning Moon has come on hugely for his run at Doncaster - he's tightened up and is a fitter horse now.

"He is going into the race fresh, whereas some of the opposition have had long campaigns.

"The return to six furlongs at Ascot is going to suit and we are very hopeful that he can run back to his best form."

Lightning Moon, ridden by William Buick for the third time and drawn in stall three, faces 19 opponents headed by three-time G1 winner Muhaarar, G1 Betfred Sprint Cup victor Twilight Son and Danzeno plus recent course and distance scorer The Tin Man.