Regional Gives Ed Bethell Group 1 Glory In Sprint Cup Shock

Bargain horse Regional bagged Ed Bethell and Callum Rodriguez their first taste of Group 1 glory in a thrilling finish, as hot favourite Shaquille faded to finish last in hopes of a third Group 1 win of the season.

Having ran creditably in the Nunthorpe at York, the decision was made to step up in trip, bidding for another Group 1 over an extra furlong.

Regional was one of the first to make a move, followed by a four-way battle to the finish which saw Regional take the win by a neck.

“It’s unreal, the things you dream of”, Bethell reflected. Regional was bought for a modest 3,500gns for his syndicate owners in 2021. “I bought him just to win a race, so this meteoric rise is down to the team at home”.

Bethell had taken over from his father almost three years ago in Middleham. “I’m over the moon. I’m in an incredibly fortunate position to take over from my father (James) and my parents have been incredible supporters of mine”.

An emotional first success at the top level for both trainer and jockey.