Owen delight at Zoffee’s Chester Cup triumph

Zoffee won the Chester Cup to give Cheshire-based trainer Hugo Palmer a first victory in the race on its 200th anniversary.

The 9-1 shot under Harry Davies came on strongly at the end of the 2m 2f 140y trip to edge out Emiyn and Zanndabad while 4-1 favourite Aztec Empire finished fourth.

Palmer operates out of Manor House Stables in Malpas, Cheshire which is co-owned by former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen.

“It is pretty much a lifelong dream to win that race and he came second last year,” said Owen.

“I said earlier in the week I think we’d win the big one. He always looks the part and he’s a lovely, lovely horse.”

Zoffee - owned by Alan Peterson - was runner-up to Metier in last year's race but the eight-year-old went one better this time.

"Harry gave him a wonderful ride. To win this big race for us I am absolutely delighted," Palmer told ITV Racing.

"It’s big in this part of the world and to have a three, two and one in the last three years is very exciting."

Davies, 19, added: "For the yard, this is the race they want to win every year. He loved the ground and travelled supremely well.

"Hugo has been a supporter of mine since I was a child, so it's fantastic to do it for him today."