Ten Bob Tony Delivers Memorable Group Success in John of Gaunt Stakes
Simon Sadler’s TBT Racing enjoyed a defining moment at Haydock as Ten Bob Tony returned from a lengthy absence to land the Group 3 John of Gaunt Stakes, capping a remarkable day for trainer Ed Walker and sealing the owner’s first Group‑race success.
Running for the first time in more than six months, the four‑year‑old showed no sign of rustiness under William Buick, producing a brave and determined performance to fend off the late challenge of Kinross in the closing stages. A prolonged stewards’ inquiry followed, but Ten Bob Tony ultimately retained the race, confirming a landmark victory for connections.
The success formed part of a memorable afternoon for Walker, who completed a high‑profile stakes treble amid a surge of form for the Upper Lambourn stable following the return of rain and more suitable ground conditions.
“That was an awful wait,” Walker admitted. “Without sounding spoiled, it was so important he won. Ten Bob Tony was Simon’s first ever horse, and now he’s come into the game in quite a big way.”
The significance of the moment was not lost on the trainer, particularly given how quickly the partnership has progressed at stakes level.
“Simon had his first stakes winner with Qilin Queen in a Listed race at Newbury, and then he came along for his first Group‑race win,” Walker said. “It’s pretty special and absolutely amazing. I’ve won Group 1s before, but I have to say this has been a special day and a special week.”
Ten Bob Tony had been patiently handled through the spring, waiting for the return of ease in the ground, conditions that have long brought out the best in the talented gelding over seven furlongs and a mile.
Walker’s assistant Matty Hicks, who was on course at Haydock, highlighted both the horse’s resilience and his physical development over the winter.
“It’s been a bit of a painful spring waiting for the rain, but luckily there was still a little bit of dig in the ground here,” Hicks said. “He’s always gone well fresh. He’s very tough, and gelding him has probably made him a bit more of a man. He’s grown up a lot and is getting towards being the finished article.”
Buick, who was cautioned for careless riding following the inquiry, praised Ten Bob Tony’s determination in a fiercely competitive finish.
“The stewards had to have a look at it,” he said. “The horse just wandered a little in front, but he was very game. It was a strong race and Ed Walker’s horses are flying.”
For Simon Sadler and TBT Racing, Ten Bob Tony’s success was both symbolic and substantive – the first Group win for an owner whose very first racehorse has now delivered at the highest domestic level. It was a result built on patience, belief and timing, and one that further underlines the stable’s growing impact on the British racing scene.
