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

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.