It’s been a year to remember for Varian Stable: a Leger winner, a QEII winner, a magnificent 38,838-1 seven-timer… and this afternoon SHINJI added one more to the history books, securing Roger’s first ever victory in the National Hunt sphere, from only his second NH runner!
Adding embellishment to the victory is the fact that SHINJI is a son of Roger’s first ever Classic winner, St Leger hero KINGSTON HILL, and was bred and owned by Roger’s wife, Hanako Varian.
The three-year-old gelding travelled prominently throughout, handling the undulations and turns of Fakenham with ease under the expert guidance of Aidan Coleman. Rolling down the hill, he took up the lead from a long way out before cruising on for a stylish 9L victory.
👀 Just the second runner in the National Hunt sphere for @varianstable who strikes with Shinji, a son of Varian's St Leger hero Kingston Hill in the finale at @FakenhamRC under @AidanColeman pic.twitter.com/4lAnribOe8
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 15, 2022
🗣 "I liked him."@AidanColeman on Shinji who readily opened his account at @FakenhamRC in the finale at the track this afternoon for @varianstable pic.twitter.com/61WJyftEFd
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 15, 2022
Image credit @leaderboard3