Night In Vegas denies Arapaho Gold in Ascot thriller

Night In Vegas wrapped up a phenomenal season with a fourth straight success after Charlie Bishop timed his challenge to perfection in a thrilling Qatar Racing British Champions Day Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes at Ascot.

Having won three sales races on the bounce, Eve Johnson Houghton’s money-spinner was sent off 5-2 to complete the year on the ultimate Champions Day high, but it was Michael Dods’ Gimcrack hero Arapaho Gold who was the 9-4 favourite to regain the winning thread after a first defeat last time out.

The northern raider had dictated throughout on the front end and was battling on resolutely, with Clive Cox’s Satellite Of Love a constant presence at his withers.

However, with the winning line fast approaching Night In Vegas edged closer and closer, with the judge required as the duo flashed past the post in unison. A nose was the official verdict as the Kennet Valley Syndicates-owned son of Lucky Vega swelled the coffers even further at the end of a fine season.