Andrew Balding has gained further momentum in his pursuit of a first Flat trainers' championship, extending his lead over defending champion Aidan O'Brien. An across-the-cards double, which included a 1-2 finish in the Group Two Challenge Stakes, contributed to his progress.
Balding had been approximately £700,000 behind O'Brien at the end of August. He first took the lead last weekend when Blue Bolt secured victory in the Group One Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket.
Never So Brave's win in the Challenge Stakes, ahead of stablemate Flora Of Bermuda, was worth £129,000. This followed Nakila Sun's win in the British EBF Final at York, which added £51,000 to Balding's tally.
Paddy Power currently quotes O'Brien at 2-7 to win the title, with Balding at 5-2. Champions Day at Ascot next weekend is anticipated to be a potentially pivotal event in the championship race.