Former football star Mick Channon was celebrating after his 25-1 shot Majestic, ridden by apprentice Aidan Keeley, won the bet365 Cambridgeshire Handicap at Newmarket.
It was Channon's second big-race success of the 2022 Flat season as Johan had collected the Lincoln at Doncaster at the start of the season. However, Channon was unable to be at the home of racing as he was not present due to Covid issues.
Channon said: "Unfortunately I couldn't be there because I'm isolating. We only ran him last week because we didn't think he'd get in this race, but when he was in such good form - he should have won last week - we decided to run him again.
"Aidan gave him a great ride, he's very promising. My girl (Rose Dawes) would have ridden him but she had a fall and broke her hand.
"I'm delighted. I've never won the Cambridgeshire before but I've been placed, these big races are what it's all about, and we won the Lincoln this year too with Johan so we've had a good one."
It was a huge day too for Keeley who swooped from off the pace to snatch victory late on.
Keeley was having his first ride on the Rowley Mile and continued his family's rich history in the race, with his grandfather Brian Rouse having won the prestigious handicap twice aboard Baronet in 1978 and 1980.
The 28-runner race changed complexion inside the final half-furlong as Keeley came with a race-winning run, with race-regular Bell Rock following the winner through to edge out Dual Identity in a photo for second.
Keeley said: "He travelled really strong. He's one of those horses who you almost want to find trouble on. I moved over to the centre from where I was drawn (26) and it opened up nicely for me.
"Off the bridle he found plenty and galloped straight through the line and he's done it nicely off a low enough mark.
"I'm ecstatic to win a race like this, it's by far the best of my career. My thanks go to Mr Channon for giving me the ride.
"This was my first ride at Newmarket so that was a thrill in itself, never mind it being a winner and in the Cambridgeshire.
"It's a handicap that does throw up big-priced winners. Even if you are on one that is a big price you are always thinking you've got half a chance."
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