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10 Jul 2020

Stott relishing opportunity with Hello Youmzain in the Darley July Cup

Kevin Stott is hoping to continue his whirlwind start to the season with victory in the Darley July Cup on Saturday at Newmarket Racecourse with Hello Youmzain.

Stott, 25, had undoubtedly the biggest day of his career on the Saturday of this year’s Royal meeting. He won the Diamond Jubilee Stakes with Hello Youmzain for his first Group 1 and immediately followed it up with a winner in the next race with Hey Jonesey – his first Royal Ascot winners.

The North Yorkshire-based jockey revealed the pure emotion he felt that day and that Kevin Ryan’s stable star, Hello Youmzain, has come out of the race well and is ready to go on Saturday, in a race that forms part of the 2020 QIPCO British Champions Series.

“As we crossed the line it was the best feeling in the world. It’s something that I’ve dreamt about since I was a kid,” Stott said.

“It was very emotional for me being my first Group 1. It didn’t sink in straight away, I was very overwhelmed with it being my first Group 1 and my first Royal Ascot winner. It didn’t sink in until I was sat at home in bed the next morning watching the replay.

“Hello Youmzain has come out of the race brilliantly, his preparation for the July Cup on Saturday has been very good. He’s been fresh and well so I’m very happy with him.

“He’s a very big horse, he was a late two-year-old. He’s extremely balanced and very fast out of the stalls. If I could describe him in one word it would be that he’s athletic. He’s an absolute pleasure to ride.”

Stott is 12th in this year’s Flat Jockeys’ Championship with 21 wins from 117 rides at a strike rate of 18%.