20 April 2024 , 15:24
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Folgaria gave connections an emotional win at Newbury on the day of jockey Stefano Cherchi's funeral.
The filly, who had the best finish in the Dubai Duty Free Stakes, is trained by his former boss and close friend Marco Botti. Cherchi, 23, died earlier this month after he was injured in a racecourse incident while competing in Australia.
Formerly trained by Botti's brother, also called Stefano, Folgaria was unbeaten in five consecutive Italian races. On her first start in Britain, the daughter of Due Diligence quickened to lead under Hollie Doyle and held on by a neck from Regal Jubilee.
Botti's wife Lucie was on hand to greet the winner, who returned at odds of 5-1 – and is 12-1 with Betfair (from 20-1) for her big race target the French 1,000 Guineas.
"It's great, especially today – quite sentimental," she said. "It's Stefano's Cherchi's funeral (today) so it's one of those days that is hard. Andrea (Atzeni) winning the Sydney Cup with Stefano’s parents there and now this filly bringing Italian racing to life again, it is quite special. She's a champion Italian filly and has proved today that she is good enough elsewhere. The sky is the limit."
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Marco Botti is at Cherchi's funeral in his hometown of Mores, Sardinia with family and friends, including trainer Amy Murphy, who provided the jockey with ten winners during his time in British racing.
Folgaria (nearside) won the Dubai Duty Free Stakes at Newbury Racecourse with Hollie Doyle taking the reins (Getty Images)She tweeted: "On what is a very sad day for us all here in Mores Stefano sent @MarcoBotti a gift from the sky as we lay him to rest. Thank you Folgaria @NewburyRacing."
Cherchi had been in Australia since January when he suffered a head injury and internal bleeding in a fall from his mount Hasime at Canberra. He sadly died two weeks later in hospital.
Cherchi made his British debut in 2018 and had his first success for Botti on a horse called Withoutdestination at Wolverhampton. At the time of his death, a statement from the British Horseracing Authority said: “We are heartbroken to hear the news that Stefano Cherchi has died following a fall at Canberra racecourse last month.
“Stefano rode over 100 winners in Britain before moving to Australia, and the high esteem in which he was held around the world is clear to see. Our thoughts are with his friends, family, and everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him. The entire racing industry will be in mourning after the loss of such a talented young man.”