Omen given good ride by Spencer to land Goodwood honours

For the second day running, Jamie Spencer won on his only ride of the afternoon as Good Omen outstayed his rivals in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap at Glorious Goodwood.

Spencer travelled north to Redcar for a sole ride on Wednesday and that paid off for David Simcock, and the same Newmarket trainer employed his services again.

In typically-patient style, Spencer dropped his mount out early on and as the field split into two groups in the straight, he chose to stay on the far side where some fresh ground had been opened up.

The Queen's Frontispiece gave chase, but Good Omen (8-1) won by a length and a quarter.

"He dragged me to the start so I let him bumble along a bit early as we went a good gallop," said Spencer.

"Because we split we got racing a long way out and I just wanted some shelter from the wind.

"He was tough in the last furlong, he's an experienced horse and I think that counted for a lot today."

Simcock said: "He handled conditions very well and was given a lovely ride by Jamie, who will probably say he got there a bit soon, but it's nice for the horse.

"I'm not sure Jamie knew which way to go, but he got it right.

"Let's see what the handicapper does, we'll speak to his owner in Hong Kong. He was supposed to go there, but whether he does I'm not sure, as he likes soft ground.

"He'll stay a mile and a half in time, but whether he does that now or later, we'll see. He is progressive."