THE roar for the heroes – that was what made Saturday’s 2,000 Guineas so special.
Although it turns out there was a moment when some doubted if ripper Bow Echo’s trainer George Boughey would get to the position of strength he’s in now.
There were jubilant scenes after Bow Echo’s Guineas win Credit: PA
No, Newmarket at the weekend wasn’t Cheltenham, but for a 2,000 Guineas so many seemed genuinely pleased for Boughey and young star rider Billy Loughnane.
Boughey’s friends – but also rivals – could not hold back the joy.
James Ferguson was one of many cheering Boughey on. He said: “It’s fantastic. Me and Ed Crisford used to live with George for a while and he’s a very, very popular boy in town and we are all very close.
“I hear he’s the youngest person since the war to win both Guineas and that’s just fantastic. He works very hard and does a brilliant job. He’s made it. He’s killed it.”
Boughey came very close to crying during my interview with him on ITV Racing.
Ed Crisford was not surprised. He said: “I would have cried if I had just won a 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas!
“The horse was magical and the way he picked up – well he bolted up.
“For George this is huge. We all grew up together. We are all roughly the same age. We lived together. We were all assistants in Newmarket together. To see one of your mates go and do what he’s done is amazing. It’s really great.”
Nick Bell, son of Derby winning trainer Michael Bell, added: “He’s the brightest young talent on the training ranks without fail.
“He’s an exceptionally good family friend and no-one deserves it more with the hard work he puts in. Everyone in town is delighted for him.”
Boughey was, however, once under the wing of Hugo Palmer, who revealed: “If you asked George Scott, who suggested I get him on board, there was a moment about four weeks into the time when he was with me – and he was with me eight years – when I did question whether he was going to last the course. But he’s a star and what he has done is incredible.”
Scott was another enjoying the Boughey party. He chipped in: “It’s hard to put into words. I speak to George three or so times a day every day and I’ve watched him train Bow Echo and he’s just done an incredible job. He’s been so keen on the horse and he’s not missed. A day’s training.
“George is a special human being and he deserves it. That all said I remember I was sorting out a cupboard when Hugo Palmer phoned me and said ‘what have you done to me? You’ve sent George to me!
“I said to Hugo just wait. And that relationship just blossomed. George learnt a lot from Hugo and when Galileo Gold won the 2000 Guineas George was down at the start for that so it’s gone full circle.
“We are all great friends. It’s very emotional for George and us. We are a very tight group of people. I’m so happy.”
It seems like good things come to good people. George Boughey take a bow. Or is that a Bow Echo?!
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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