18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

Panther building nicely for Leger defence

Brown Panther blitzes his rivals in last year's Palmerstown House Estate Irish St. LegerBrown Panther blitzes his rivals in last year's Palmerstown House Estate Irish St. Leger
© Photo Healy Racing

Jockey Richard Kingscote expressed his satisfaction after partnering Brown Panther in a racecourse gallop at Newmarket ahead of a likely defence of his crown in next month's Irish St Leger.

Tom Dascombe's stable star was a brilliant winner of the Curragh Classic last September, but has endured an interrupted campaign this time around.

The seven-year-old made an impressive return to action in the Dubai Gold Cup in March, but has been sidelined by injury since being narrowly denied by Snow Sky in the Yorkshire Cup in May.

Working over just beyond a mile, Brown Panther tracked his full-brother Cocker before taking command inside the final two furlongs.

Kingscote asked for a little extra in the last half-furlong and Brown Panther readily put distance between himself and his stable companion.

"It was nothing too strenuous. He just travelled along nicely behind his lead horse and picked up past the furlong pole when I asked him. I'm happy with him," said Kingscote.

"The boss was keen to get him away from home. I asked the boss if I could give him a little squeeze as he's not been off the bridle for while.

"I was confident when I gave him a little squeeze and I was more than happy as he quickened away nicely when I gave him a slap down the shoulder.

"He's not had a hard piece, but enough to blow away the cobwebs. I think the boss wants to go for the Irish Leger, so fingers crossed."