Stormy Impact makes it Dash delight for Warren Fentiman

Warren Fentiman added to his reputation in partnering Stormy Impact to a last-gasp Epsom victory in the Betfred 3YO “Dash” Handicap.

The son of weighing-room veteran Duran Fentiman, the 17-year-old’s star has been in the ascendancy during the winter on the all-weather and his 5lb claim looks a steal.

With a furlong to run Richard Fahey’s filly still had more in front of her than behind, but when her young pilot switched the 7-1 shot to the middle of the track she flew to beat Lexington Blitz by a length.

Fentiman said: “I was going to go to the stands rail, but I knew there wouldn’t be a gap for me, so I’ve just gone down the middle, took a risk and hopefully it’s paid off.

“She’s a very nice filly. Dad will be delighted to see me have a winner like this on Derby day, it’s just a dream really. I can’t thank Richard enough for the support and letting me ride on a big day like this, it’s a privilege.

“Early on I thought she was outpaced and how these Epsom races are run they keep on going. I thought if we got placed I would be delighted, but all of a sudden she changed her stride and has just gone. As I was coming up to the leaders I thought I could have this in the bag and she was brilliant.”

Fahey added: “It’s a new race, but I’ve never actually won a sprint on Derby day so that was brilliant.

“She’ll definitely go to Royal Ascot now for the Palace of Holyrood, that’s the route for her now.

“At halfway we were near last and they must have gone very quick as she’s not slow and she was struggling to lay up with them.

“I came here confident, but I was struggling to find the right race for her. I had to run her over six furlongs at Newmarket, but I think five furlongs is her forte, she’s all speed.”