Prior to setting off to Royal Ascot yesterday, groom Bob Grace remarked: “Never done a winner in 38 years at Royal Ascot, I think I’ve got a jinx on the place… If I haven’t got a winner tomorrow, I won’t be back there. At least I’ll have the mask on, so no one will know it is me.”
Thankfully for ‘Big Bob’s’ legion of fans, his trusty companion Battaash pulled it off. After romping home first in the King’s Stand Stakes as the 5/6 favourite – seeing off both Equilateral and Liberty Beach – for trainer Charlie Hills, the two stars of the day got to celebrate live on the telly.
Speaking to ITV1’s Matt Chapman – who lightheartedly quipped “you’re not a typically sized stable lad Bob” much to the amusement of the groom – Grace surmised: “He didn’t miss a beat. He was on his A game… He hasn’t done badly in two tries, three tries before today… Nearly as good as [Bristol Rovers] getting promotion.”
Two stories to keep beside you
Hero of the Hour – Khadijah Mellah
First jockey to race in a hijab, Peckham teenager Khadijah Mellah brings fresh blood to racing and will make history tomorrow Educated at Sydenham High School and a member of the Ebony Horse Club – which describes itself as “transforming young lives through horses in south London’s most disadvantaged communities” – in Brixton, 18-year-old Khadijah […]
A Grace Estate
Site of polo club owned by the late Peter Grace OBE for sale for £12 million
One Twitter user responded: “Loved the way he just wanted to get off and be with his horse” whilst another concluded: “Bob is wonderful, be like Bob.”
It was all “B’s for Bob” yesterday and no doubt he and Battaash celebrated with many a beer last night.
Cheers Bob and cheers Battaash!
Facebook: @TheSteepleTimes
Instagram: @TheSteepleTimes
Twitter: @SteepleTimes
Readers have their say
4 comments
Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!! A good news story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob is the best – loved seeing someone so happy!
A rare thing – cheers bob!
Good on ya Bob.