Reigning champion jockey Reyan Lewis has expressed his gratitude to trainer Ian Parsard for continuing to trust him on big race days, as both teamed up with Run Julie Run to win the 1000 Guineas on Saturday at Caymanas Park.

Run Julie Run, who went off as the 2-5 favourite in the eight-furlong race, produced a swift turn of foot in the stretch run to win comfortably by four and three-quarter lengths, with a time of 1:42.1. Comehometome, with Tevin Foster aboard, was second, while third place went to Battle Angel with Raddesh Roman aboard. This victory marked the second time that both men teamed up to win the 1000 Guineas, having previously done so with She’s A Wonder in 2021.

“I am feeling good that I was able to deliver this victory for Mr Parsard again because I have been working with him before I started my riding career, and he has always told me that I am going to be a good jockey, so just keep on putting in the work,” said Lewis. “He has me as his jockey to ride in the big races, so I am just thankful for that,” he added.

Lewis highlighted that Run Julie Run is a very good three-year-old filly, and once she remains sound, she will definitely be a force to be reckoned with in the remainder of the Classic season.

“She is a year-old horse, and so there are a lot of improvements for her. She is showing her ability, and so I am quite confident that she will do well in the remainder of the Classic season this year,” he said. “I also knew that she will definitely perform very well against the colts and geldings because she has the ability to do so. She can lead and stay, and once she remains very sound, then the sky’s the limit for her,” Lewis stated.

Reflecting on his 1000 Guineas victory with Run Julie Run last Saturday, Lewis asserted that he was always confident the filly would come out victorious.

“The trainer told me to keep a cool head, get a good break, and keep her out of trouble because I knew that she is a good horse and she has speed. So, I just left the number 12, Bandarua, to set the splits for me, and I watched keenly,” he said. “At the half-mile, I tapped her with the whip and told her ‘let’s go,’ and she responded. I picked it up from there, and I was victorious. I am thankful,” Lewis noted.