John Leeper with regular rider Fletcher Yarham on board
John Leeper has always been held in especially high regard here at La Grange Stables for a number of reasons. Firstly, he is named after my late father, John Leeper Dunlop and secondly, he is the first colt out of our wonder mare Snow Fairy. Bred and owned by mine and my father’s loyal supporter Mrs Patino, he is a beautiful colt who has always impressed us at home.
He saw the racecourse only once last year when he ran encouragingly over 1 mile at Doncaster to finish fourth.
Yesterday at Newcastle he could not have won his race more easily, Holly Doyle settled him towards the rear of the field from a wide draw and he travelled well throughout. Turning for home she asked him to pick up and he made easy progress through the field, drawing clear a furlong from home. He scored a cosy four length success under a lovely hands and heels ride from Holly.
Let’s hope he comes on from this win and that there are many more to come!