Ayr consolation contest caps fantastic run of form.
The unstoppable force that is Alfa Kellenic extended her winning streak to six with a commanding performance in the Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup. Trained by Craig Lidster, the three-year-old filly has been on fire since the start of the year, showing remarkable consistency and grit as she stormed to another win, adding yet another impressive victory to her ever-growing list.
Kellenic’s rise to dominance began with a maiden win at Newcastle in January, followed by stunning victories at Thirsk, two triumphs at York, and another win at Ayr earlier in the season. Saturday’s Silver Cup performance cemented her reputation as one of the most exciting fillies on the track.
Despite missing out on a spot in the prestigious Ayr Gold Cup by the narrowest of margins, Alfa Kellenic’s performance in the Silver Cup left many wondering what might have been if she had made the cut for the higher-profile race.
The Race That Almost Went Wrong
Drawn on the outer edge in stall 22, Alfa Kellenic faced what many believed was a disadvantage. As the gates flew open, she quickly distanced herself from her group, proving once again that she had more than enough pace to take control. However, just when it seemed like victory was in the bag, the young filly veered sharply left, drifting away from the field and raising alarm for those watching.
Jockey William Pyle, who has formed a strong partnership with Alfa Kellenic, remained composed despite the sudden shift. He quickly worked to get the filly back on track, steering her away from danger and ensuring she remained focused as the final furlongs approached. His ability to correct her path proved crucial, as Alfa Kellenic found her stride again and galloped powerfully to the finish, winning by a length and three-quarters from Aramram as the 9-2 favourite.
“All the plans went out of the window when she started to drift, but it was down to William’s quick thinking that she stayed in the race,” said trainer Craig Lidster. “She’s an incredible filly, so tough and determined. That’s six wins in a row now, and each one has shown a different side of her strength. She’s not just fast, she’s mentally strong.”
Pyle's Heroic Ride
William Pyle’s bond with Alfa Kellenic has been a major factor in her success, with the jockey riding the filly to three consecutive wins earlier in the season before being sidelined by an injury. While Pyle was recovering, the filly continued her winning ways with other riders, but Saturday’s victory was a special reunion for the pair.
“I owe a lot to this filly,” Pyle said after the race. “I had won three in a row on her before I got injured, and she just kept going without me. It means the world to be back on her for this win. Not many horses win six in a row, and she’s done it with so much class. There’s a lot left in her; she’s going to be moving up from handicaps very soon.”
Pyle expressed his gratitude to the connections for trusting him with Alfa Kellenic once again, especially given how much the filly has improved over the past few months. He emphasized how rare it is to ride a horse with such a consistent winning streak, crediting the team for nurturing her through some early complications in her two-year-old season.
What's Next for Alfa Kellenic?
As Alfa Kellenic continues to dominate the track, the question on everyone’s mind is: What’s next? After her sixth straight victory, Lidster hinted at bigger races ahead for the filly, including a potential return next year to compete in the Ayr Gold Cup.
“If all goes well, she’ll be back here next year for the Gold Cup,” Lidster said. “She just keeps getting better, and it’s exciting to think about what she could achieve moving forward. The competition is only going to get tougher, but I have no doubt she’ll rise to the challenge.”
Emotional Wins at Ayr: McDonald and Levey Shine
In addition to Alfa Kellenic’s standout performance, other jockeys made emotional and triumphant headlines at Ayr. P J McDonald’s victory on Aragon Castle in the LiveScore Bet Daily Extra Places Handicap was particularly poignant, as he dedicated the win to his late father.
McDonald’s horse held on by a neck in a thrilling finish, beating Padishakh in a race that showcased Aragon Castle’s stamina and resilience. “That win today is for my dad,” McDonald said tearfully. “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be anywhere. I owe everything to him.”
Meanwhile, Sean Levey added to his stellar season by riding Persica to victory in the LiveScore Bet Doonside Cup Stakes. After a masterful ride, keeping Jim Crowley and the favourite Enfjaar trapped as the pace quickened, Levey’s horse surged ahead by two lengths before holding on grimly in the final stretch.
“He looked amazing in the paddock, and all he’s done is keep improving,” Levey said. “It’s been a tough week, but it’s great to have a few Saturday horses to hang onto, especially when they perform like this!”
The Unstoppable Rise of Alfa Kellenic
With her six straight victories, Alfa Kellenic has firmly established herself as a rising star in the world of horse racing. Her potential seems limitless, and the filly’s raw talent, combined with the guidance of trainer Craig Lidster and jockey William Pyle, makes her one of the most exciting prospects for the future. Whether or not she returns to Ayr next year for the Gold Cup, one thing is certain: Alfa Kellenic’s journey is far from over, and the racing world will be watching closely.
