New trainer Charlie Appleby has saddled his first winner for Godolphin with Expressly making an impressive debut at Ascot.
The Street Cry filly (7-2) made light work of her seven rivals to score by 4-1/2 lengths from Mu’ajiza (12-1) in a fillies maiden.
“I am delighted to have my first winner,” Appleby told www.godolphin.com.
“I would like to thank Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin for giving me the opportunity to train and hope to have plenty more success.”
Appleby, 38, was assistant to banned trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni and was only granted a licence to train 200 horses for Godolphin at Moulton Paddocks in Newmarket last week, after the BHA concluded he had “no awareness of the actions” of his former boss.
Al Zarooni was suspended for eight years after a hearing in April at which he admitted to giving banned anabolic steroids to horses in his care including last year’s St Leger winner Encke who was among 22 to test positive.
Appleby was not on hand to welcome his first winner but jockey Mickael Barzalona said it was a thrill to ride the first winner for the trainer.
“We went a nice pace and she got a good lead. She did everything very easily, but she is still very green,” he said.
“It’s good for him, so well done Charlie.
“I’m sure he will have many more winners.”
