The talented two-year-old filly Lumiere, who broke her maiden in impressive fashion at Goodwood during the summer, became a grade I winner on September 26th when she scored a tenacious victory in the six-furlong Cheveley Park Stakes (Eng-I) at Newmarket.
Coming off a runner-up effort in the Lowther Stakes (Eng-II) at York, in which she was beaten by fellow Cheveley Park runner Besharah, Lumiere wasted little time seizing the early lead on Saturday, opening up a 2 1/2-length early advantage while being pursued by Bear Creek. Entering the final two furlongs, Lumiere’s lead evaporated as Illuminate rallied up the rail and Besharah loomed a contender in between horses, but Lumiere gamely maintained her lead to win by a half-length in a courageous performance.
The final time over a course labeled “Good” was 1:11.98 seconds. Illuminate edged Besharah by a head for second, while Alice Springs rallied well to finish fourth.
Winning jockey William Buick was very pleased with Lumiere’s performance, and was quoted on RacingPost.com as saying “That was a very good performance as she was there to be shot at. She was always stretching them and when they came to her she quickened again.”
“There is every chance she will get the mile if she learns to race and settle properly. She galloped on well after the line.”
Trainer Mark Johnston expressed similar hopes: “We always thought there was no shortage of stamina but we also know she’s very fast and has a tremendous cruising speed. I’m very, very hopeful she can stay a mile.”
