Where Love Lives the National hero for Kevin Ryan
Where Love Lives took his unbeaten record to two with a tremendously brave performance in the Star Sports National Stakes at Sandown.
Right up with the pace set by 50-1 outsider Bill The Bull, the 7-2 chance had just about mastered Adam Kirby’s runner when Princesse d’Orange on one side and the well-fancied Adaay Of Scarlett on the other put down strong challenges.
The Kevin Ryan-trained colt was not for passing, however, and held on to score by half a length from Adaay Of Scarlett in the hands of Kevin Stott, with Princess d’Orange a further neck in arrears, the same distance ahead of the gallant Bill The Bull.
The winner was made a 20-1 shot for the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot and Stott believes five furlongs could prove the ideal distance to remain at for the youngster’s outing at the summer showpiece.
Stott said: “It just took him a bit time to get there and on this track with the road a furlong out it can find them out. I had to get him balanced and then he took a bump, so I had to get him balanced again, but he’s tough.
“He’s got bags of speed, but mainly he’s tough and genuine. He’s a bit of a boy but that’s him and I got him down to the start nice and relaxed. He jumped a bit left but he was quick into stride and I really like how he put his head down in the last furlong.”
He added: “I can’t see why you wouldn’t go to Royal Ascot, he’s won his maiden nicely and then gone and won this nicely. I think he’s still learning, he’s a big horse and Ascot will probably suit him.
“I think five furlongs at Ascot would suit, but I think he will probably get six in time. For now though, he has bags of speed and I think he will take another step forward from this.
“He has learned a lot from this mentally and I can’t see any reason not to go to Ascot with him now.”
Related posts
Constitution Hill among "best ever" Irish Champions Festival entries
Watch: 21-day ban for Philip Byrnes after Limerick incident
Five horses to follow at Sandown on Thursday evening
Friday tips from Dave Nevison: "A good run looks assured"
Thursday tips: Dave Nevison marks your card
Featured offers
Get up to a £25 Bonus + 50 free spins with Genting
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with TalkSportBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved