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Hugs owner embraces Melbourne mission

July 14 2003

Hugs Dancer took a giant stride nearer the Melbourne Cup when he outstayed his rivals in the Webster's Silver Cup Rated Stakes at York on Saturday.

James Given's tough, uncompromising six-year-old returned to the scene of last year's Ebor success and burnt up the 2800 metres to deny Mamcazma by 2 lengths, with Bourgeois a further 3 lengths back in third.

"He doesn't know how to run a bad one," Given said. "He's so game you just run out of words. Whatever you ask him he just keeps giving his all for you, year after year."

Given confirmed a trip to Australia was definitely on the horizon, saying: "It's just his sort of race, a two-mile (3200m) handicap. First though, he might go to Goodwood. Then there's always the Ebor again and then Melbourne. Melbourne's very much on the agenda."

If Hugs Dancer was the toughest horse on show, the toughest hoop was veteran George Duffield, who belied his 56 years with a sparkling double.

He won on Sir Don in the opening John Smith's Sangton Leisure Handicap and First Order in the John Smith's "Ave It" Stakes.





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- Hugs owner embraces Melbourne mission

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