Define a great St Leger winner. One that goes quickest in the semi final, comes from last to first to win the final, and breaks the track record. We are talking – Space Jet.
Space Jet’s winning time was 10 spots inside the Rubys Rascal’s previous track record but trainer Matt Dartnall can feel fully justified in saying ‘there’s plenty more to come.’.
He said: “She only had one race in Ireland over 525 at Clonmel and came into season as soon as she joined us. We were waiting to step her up in trip and started over 642m at Central Park which was too short for her.
“At that stage, she still wasn’t fit. She would go full speed into the pick-up and was coming off tired after every race. Gradually though she has started to strengthen up and the performances have improved. But it has also been about her trackcraft too. In the early races she wasn’t sure how to get past other dogs, but she has grown more confident and learned along the way.
“The 710 at Perry Barr is as far as you can take them over six bends and she is ready to step up now. She is definitely an 800 metre bitch, and she has come out well from last night’s race. The obvious one is the First Containers Marathon at Towcester.”
The Dartnall’s – Matt and dad Terry – are better known for their middle distance Cat 1 winners than their stayers. Terry reckons Saleen Move was good enough to win a St.Leger but for breaking a hock. Matt’s previous closest attempt at a Leger was a joint third spot for Blue Bee ten years ago.
Does Space Jet compare?
Matt says: “She has to. She is very good.”
Matt Dartnall specialises in understatements!
Matt Dartnall shows off his Leger champ Space Jet joined by owner Kurn Rushen (right) his partner Maggie Terry and kennelhand Mark Sealey.Photo: © Steve Nash
