Join

Clifford Lee back in business after Al Qareem’s Goliath strike

By Racing TV

Last Updated: Sat 4 Apr 2026

Clifford Lee celebrated his first victory since returning to race riding aboard Al Qareem in the Virgin Bet Goliath Cup Stakes at Musselburgh.

Lee suffered a motorcycle accident in October that left him in intensive care with serious neck injuries, but following a winter of recovery he returned to the saddle on Marshman at Newcastle on Good Friday.

Al Qareem dug deep to get up on the line to win the Listed event, with the 5-4 favourite holding off Mount Atlas by half a length to help Karl Burke and owners Nick Bradley Racing secure a double.

Burke told ITV: “That was good and it was great for Cliff as well to be back after what happened to him, it was a great ride by him. Equally a great run by the horse as well. He’s so tough, isn’t he?

“He just loves to run and he’s like that every morning. Danielle who looks after him, she adores him. He’s just one of those very sound horses that just loves to run.”

Bradley said: “They all mean something but he’s won the most money, he’s won the most Group races. He’s a pleasure to manage.

“He looked the fattest but he also looked the strongest and once the rain came it became a strength battle. As soon as the rain came down I thought the fillies would find it tough.”

Lee added: ” That was my second ride back, to ride a horse like this is fantastic. I have to say thanks to the boss for giving me the opportunity.

“We have been a great combination. He was a little bit fresh, it was his first race back. I was just trying not to go too quick on the back straight.”

Earlier on the card, Strength Of Spirit (4-1) had got Burke up and running when winning the Virgin Bet A Good Bet Royal Mile Handicap by a length.

Bradley also had enjoyed earlier success when Bellarchi won the Livescore Bet Silver Arrow Handicap at 14-1.

The Grant Tuer-trained mare rallied in the final furlong to get up by half a length from Golden Mind.

Tuer said: “She ran well first time out and ran better than expected at Wolverhampton.

“It’s very difficult with horses at the bottom of the handicap in big races like this so I’m really pleased with that. Andrew (Mullen) gave her a great ride and a lovely position just off the pace where we wanted to be. She’s tough.”

Team Player won the Virgin Bet Daily Price Boost Queen’s Cup Handicap being eased down by Greg Fairley and Pilgrim just did enough to win the Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup Handicap in a photo.

Five horses to watch at Cheltenham this week

Dave Nevison's Wednesday tips at Kempton: "he looks very well in"

Saturday ante-post tips: brace of 20-1 chances among five bets

Philip Hobbs and Johnson White 2026-27 Jumps season stable tour

Five changes made at Cheltenham ahead of the 2026-27 season

Todays top offer

Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets + Money Back as a Free Bet if 2nd to SP Fav with BOYLE Sports

T&Cs Apply

18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. T&C's apply. 18+. IRE/NI & UK online only. Max Free Bet £/€10. Win or win part of e/w outright singles. 5+ runners. 1st bet on each race. Free/void/antepost bets don't qualify. In event of a dead heat, offer won’t apply. Applies to First Past the Post result. Unnamed 2nd Favs don’t qualify. Acc & Payment restrictions apply. T&Cs apply.

Claim Now

Featured offers

Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

New UK customers. Place a £10 real money bet at min. 2.0 odds within 5 days of deposit. Get 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 Single, 2 Accas & 1 Bet Builder (min. 3 selections each). Excludes cashout, E/W, Multis, Ineligible Markets & Odds Boosts. Credited after bet settlement. 7-day expiry. T&Cs apply. 18+ GambleAware

Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with talkSPORT BET

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

New Customers. Opt in, deposit and bet £10+ on any horse racing markets within 7 days of sign up. Get 3 x £10 Free Bets for set horse racing markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ GambleAware

Get 50% back up to £50 with QuinnBet

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

New UK Customers Only. Bet £10+ on any sportsbook markets at odds of evens (2.00) or greater. Get 50% back of your first day’s losses as a Free Bet up to £50, valid for 7 days. 18+ GambleAware.

Bet £20 and Get £40 in Free Bets with Unibet

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

18+. GambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Min £20 debit card or instant banking transfer deposit. Place a £20+ bet on Horse Racing at min odds 2/5 (1.4) each leg for 4x £10 Free Bets (can be used on Racing Bet Builder). Claim within 30 days. Valid for Horse Racing only. Geographical restrictions and Further T&C’s apply

Please bet responsibly

Races

Tips

Watch

Results