Kickboxer comes out fighting for new connections

22 May 2017

Kickboxer (Clodovil ex Ajig Dancer) ran out impressive winner on his debut for new connections at Thirsk in the 5f handicap. He travelled powerfully towards the far side and picking up well inside the final furlong. He endured a rather frustrating couple of seasons but his new yard (Mick Appleby) have clearly got him on song and he should enjoy a profitable campaign. Mick Appleby did not expect such an explosive start following his two-length win, “I don’t know what I was expecting but I knew he’d come on for the run,” said Appleby. “He was a good horse for Mick Channon. We’ll look at good handicaps on softer ground. I’d have thought the ultimate aim would be the Ayr Gold Cup.” Owners Craig Buckingham and Martyn Elvin recouped nearly £13,000 of the £16,000 they paid for him from Godolphin at Tattersalls HIT (2016). Previous to this Kickboxer had been rated 101 and been placed in the Albert Bartlett (LR) and the Cornwallis Stakes Gr.3 for Mick Channon before being sold for 120,000 at Tattersalls HIT to Godolphin. Big congratulations to all – we are delighted to see Kickboxer back to winning ways! Kickboxer's Es Que Love half brother will be offered at the yearling sales and Ajig Dancer has a filly foal at foot by Bungle Inthejungle.