A positive coronavirus test cost Shane Crosse the ride on Galileo Chrome in The St Leger (14f) at Doncaster and Tom Marquand was the beneficiary.
Marquand became free to take the ride when his intended mount English King was scratched in favour of a start in Sunday’s Grand Prix de Paris and the 22-year-old took full advantage, driving Galileo Chrome home ahead in the oldest classic.
At the finish the Joseph O’Brien-trained Galileo Chrome (Australia) had a neck to spare over Berkshire Rocco (Sir Percy) with Pyledriver (Harbour Watch) one length further back third, just in front of the favourite Santiago.
Marquand told the Racing Post it was truly a dream result.
“It’s probably the most cliched thing that can come out of my mouth but it really is dreams come true,” Marquand said.
“Classics in Britain are some of the hardest races to come across, Group 1s in Britain are equally hard. To have my first winner on UK soil in the St Leger for Joseph O’Brien, who growing up at my time was one of the best jockeys around and is now training and doing a similar job – it’s mind-blowing to get an opportunity like this.”
“I can’t stress enough how bad I feel for Shane because we’ve all been in a situation where things haven’t gone our way and we’re both relatively young so I really can relate.
“He’ll be sat at home in pieces no doubt and I guess the one thing in racing is that it always comes back round so no doubt he’ll have his day. I look forward to seeing him do it.”