Newcastle Races: Spennymoor Heavenly Heather in 200-1 win

Tracy Waggott, who operates from Awakening Stables in Spennymoor, was left “lost for words” after Heavenly Heather claimed an unlikely win in the BetMGM Fillies’ And Mares’ Championships Handicap on All-Weather Finals Day.

Tracy Waggott in her Spennymoor stables (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) The four-year-old filly, ridden by jockey Amie Waugh, defied her long odds to take victory by half a length, sticking to the favoured rail from stall 14 and finishing ahead of Aramis Grey.

“I knew she’s always been good, and been well — and come in season. She’s been flying at home this last week, you know?” Waggott said right after the race.

Heavenly Heather ridden by Amie Waugh after winning the BetMGM Fillies’ And Mares’ Championships Handicap at Newcastle Racecourse, Newcastle upon Tyne (Image: PA MEDIA) “I was screaming and supporting her. She is a heavy girl, but she came out on top.”

The result makes Heavenly Heather only the 12th horse in Britain since 2000 to win at odds of 200-1 or more.

Tracy Waggott in Newcastle on Good Friday (April 19) (Image: SKY SPORTS RACING)

The longest-priced winner in UK history remains Equinoctial, who scored at 250-1 at Kelso in 1990.

Waggott paid £750 to enter Heavenly Heather in the race and admitted she believed the horse could make the frame — but didn’t dare dream of a win.

Heavenly Heather at the front of the pack in Newcastle (Image: PA MEDIA) Now, reflecting on the win yesterday (Sunday, April 20), Tracy told The Northern Echo that she is “made up” for the owners of Heavenly Heather, Chris and Stuart. 

The victory was a deeply emotional moment for part-owner Chris Rain, who revealed that the filly had been named after his late mother.

Heavenly Heather had only raced five times previously, but Tracy is now hopeful of future success for the horse.

“I was excited, and hoping for an upset – but it’s beyond my expectations – like something from a fairytale,” said Tracy.

Heavenly Heather ridden by Amie Waugh on their way to winning the BetMGM Fillies’ And Mares’ Championships Handicap at Newcastle Racecourse, Newcastle upon Tyne (Image: PA MEDIA) “She’d run some good races before and knew she was a good horse, but no one was expecting this at all.

“I hope the horse can now go on to win plenty of races and have some success.”

Despite the success, Tracy has said how difficult being a horse trainer is. 

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This upcoming week alone, she is travelling to Redcar, Thirsk and Catterick in search of further victories.

“It’s tough, the winters are hard, and getting up in the morning and the long days do get to you, but victories like the one on Friday make it all worth it,” she added.

“Sometimes you’re tired, nervous, and don’t sleep because you’re worrying how the horses will perform.”