Classy 3yo colt Hit The Bid won the Midsummer Sprint Stakes 5f (Listed) at Cork today to record his 2nd black type victory having previously won the Group 3 Curragh Stakes. His current tally is even more impressive when we realise that these 2 black type wins have come in only 7 lifetime starts and there were valid reasons for defeat on more that one occasion in his other runs.

He's an absolutely gorgeous horse. Big, strong and incredibly athletic. I couldn't believe I managed to buy him for 40,000 Guineas at Tattersalls Book 2 Yearling Sale. Even then he was a standout to me.

This was a competitive race today and he was a convincing winner in a fast time. I think very highly of this horse and I saw it as a confidence booster for him after the bad experience he had in the Group 2 race at Chantilly the last day when there was a 20 minute delay at the start while another runner was being re-shod. Delighted to see him bounce back to winning ways today. Yet again he received a top class ride from Leigh Roche who gets on particularly well with him.

He's another speedy son of one of my favourite sires, Exceed and Excel, and is out of a Selkirk mare who was a multiple listed winner from 6 furlongs to a mile and was herself out of a 6 furlongs listed winner from the family of Bold Edge. The Exceed and Excel / Selkirk cross is one I particularly like. While in time Hit The Bid will probably step up to 6 furlongs we'll keep him at 5 furlongs for the moment. He's got bags of speed and travels at his ease no matter how fast they go in a race.

We'll take him back up to Group 2 level now, with the Sapphire Stakes (Group 2) at the Curragh and the King George Stakes (Group 2) at Glorious Goodwood being his key next targets. I've no doubt he is good enough to be competitive at that level and in time could go all the way. He's a real gent of a horse to work with and a very exciting horse for the future.

I was thrilled to have another win for his owners, the Straight To Victory Syndicate, who are great supporters of our stable. They are a fantastic group of owners and have a lovely team of horses to go forward with.

Many thanks for all the messages of congratulations we've received since the win. Much appreciated.

Well done to all the team.