Of the 15 starters for the inaugural running of the Jack Holt Memorial Stakes (Handicap) at Goodwood yesterday, none could have gained so apt a victory as Out Line.
Trained by the late trainer's friend Michael Madgwick, the mare, out of Holt's multiple-winning sprinter Free Range, also runs in the colours of owner-breeder Dinah Green, his long-standing patron.
Holt, who died in 1995, began his training career five miles up the road at Petworth and listed Goodwood as his favourite track, hence the course's move to name a race in his memory.
He could scarcely have wished for a better outcome as Madgwick, his friend of 30 years, broke his duck for the season in the six-furlong sprint.
Pushed to the front by Frankie Dettori over a furlong from the finish, the grey ran on strongly to the line to beat Maladerie convincingly.
Afterwards, Madgwick made no attempt to conceal his delight. "I am so glad to win it, so glad!" he smiled. "He was a friend for over 30 years and it is unbelievable."
