Linda Stubbs retires victorious after 50-year career with final runner, calling it ‘the perfect ending’

“It’s just about the perfect ending,” Stubbs said. “We weren’t going to run him today as he ran on Monday, but he came out of his race well and this race cut up.

“The owner has been with us for over 40 years and it’s lovely to go out on a winner.”

Looking back on her long career, Stubbs added: “I’ve enjoyed it and I wouldn’t have done anything else, it’s just getting hard now.

Victory looked unlikely as the field turned for home, but Rooke pulled his mount wide on the bend and came with a powerful surge down the middle of the track to win by two lengths going away. “He’s very fragile, you need to take your time with him. He’s had leg problems and he’s lightly raced, so we’re just building him up slowly.

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