Haqeeqy powered to a very taking victory in the Unibet Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster under apprentice Benoit De La Sayette.
The youngster, who claims 7lb, had to sit and wait in behind horses for much of the journey, but never panicked and once in the clear the John and Thady Gosden-trained gelding just had to be nudged clear in the manner of a smart performer.
Sent off at 9-2, the winner finished a length and a half clear of Brunch, with Hortzadar third and Danyah fourth.
The winner is owned by Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum, whose father Sheikh Hamdan died earlier this week.
"It's unbelievable and to have the support of these connections is a real thrill – I can’t thank everyone enough for legging me up," said De La Sayette, who was remarkably having his first ride on turf.
"I wanted to follow the (William) Haggas horse (Johan), but he didn’t run so it was a blank canvas. He jumped beautifully, I got behind someone as I just wanted to get him switched off.
"Luckily enough a gap opened at the end which I wasn’t expecting, as I thought I was going to be trapped, but the turn of foot he showed was thrilling. To have a feeling like that, you can’t get better."
"I walked the track, like everyone, and we all knew where the best ground was, it was such a tight bunch so I was lucky enough to get a gap."
The Gosdens also had winners at Kempton and in Dubai, meaning their new partnership has got off to a flying start.
"They let me know I had the ride on Monday and my face lit up when he told me," said De La Sayette.
"I'm not really thinking about the champion apprentice title. I’m just thinking about my next ride, I just want to carry on riding winners and riding for wonderful trainers.
"I just want to do the best I can and prove what I can do, that’s pretty much it.
"What the boss has taught me is the cooler you are the better they will run, if you get a bit revvy that is when you can make mistakes. I just wanted to keep cool and get him switched off.
"To even be on the racecard, for it to be my first turf race it was all a bit 'wow’, and a big boost to my confidence. To ride my first race on turf in such a big race, and then to win, it’s amazing really.
"My father was a champion amateur rider in France for a couple of years and I always wanted to follow in his footsteps.
"I grew up on a horse, he came over to ride for Godolphin and I did the Pony Club circuit and then went pony racing at the age of nine.
"I can’t thank my parents enough, driving me around everywhere, they are the main reason I’m in the position I’m in. I went to Mr Gosden’s on work experience at 15 and I’ve been there ever since."
