AFTER a tight race with no more than a nose to it, Special Missile has come on top at the 2019 Darley Scone Cup, much to the delight of trainers Richard and Michael Freedman.
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The brothers from Randwick will have plenty to celebrate tonight after the 5-year-old gelding got near the front early and edged out Fierce Impact and Goldstream for a magical win.
It also continued their incredible partnership with jockey Sam Clipperton who rode the winner perfectly, even though he admitted to being nervous at the end.
"To be honest on the line the second horse was going that quick I wasn't sure if I'd hung on," he said.
"I just had my eyes closed and was punching him out but it was a really good effort by the horse and really well prepared by Michael."
It was a wonderful moment for Clipperton who won the Scone Cup in 2014 as an apprentice, and has now got to feel the sheer joy of the moment all over again.
Michael Freedman was ecstatic after the finish, and said he was extremely proud of both his horse and the jockey.
"Sam rode him to perfection, he gave him a great ride around at the last start as well," he said.
"I'm just a bit speechless, to do it with my brother and being our first one together, hopefully it's one of many more to come."
The victory is a spectacular beginning for the siblings, and Special Missile will no doubt hold a special place in their hearts for years to come.