The Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained Port Lockroy ($9.00) has tasted Group 1 success for the first time, with the eastern raider claiming an impressive victory in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot on Saturday afternoon.
It comes after an eye-catching performance in the Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on November 2, with local Western Australian-based jockey Clint Johnston-Porter the beneficiary of being legged aboard the low weighted four-year-old.
He lobbed into the perfect position in the middle stages, with Belclare ($5.50 with Neds) and Socks Nation ($21.00) bowling along at a genuine clip, allowing Johnston-Porter to snag the one-one on a moderate tempo.
The well-supported favourite with horse racing bookmakers, Light Infantry Man ($3.50) was forced back into a ruck of horses, while Comfort Me ($41.00) looked to be travelling well behind the leading pair.
Johnston-Porter got busy on the son of Better Than Ready at the furlong pole, hitting the front a long way out, and while the likes of Comfort Me and Super Smink ($8.50) gave chase gallantly, it was all in vain as Port Lockroy kicked clear to secure the 2024 Railway Stakes.
2024 Group 1 Railway Stakes Race Replay – Port Lockroy (1st)
Rob Archibald was on course to discuss the victory and the perfect steer by Johnston-Porter.
“Incredible,” said Archibald.
“It’s hard to believe to be honest.
“Just so excited for the owners in the horse. He’s been so unlucky almost his whole career through gates or whatever it may be, and he’s just executed a perfect race today CJ (Clint Johnston-Porter) so fully credit to him.
“It’s a huge thrill, I’m so lucky to be in this position and Annabel (Neasham) has always had such confidence in this horse and it was just nice to see a really good ride and him deliver on the big stage.
“Very grateful.”
Clint Johnston-Porter spoke the magnitude of the moment claiming his first Group 1 success.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment for a very long time,” said Johnston-Porter.
“I was stiff not to get one last season, so to get one on the board is just massive, and it being the Railway, what an iconic race.
“I was always banking on his run in the Golden Eagle, it was a very good run, I was trying to not get too excited, I sort of talked myself into the nerves, but I’m just so relieved that it’s all over and done with now.
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