Loch Eagle scores upset win in The Ingham at Randwick after last-minute call-up for a start

Third emergency Loch Eagle made the most of a last-minute call-up to run in the $2 million The Ingham (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday with an incredible upset win. With hopes of securing a start in the Group 2 feature fading, trainer Kris Lees was preparing to give Loch Eagle a track gallop on Saturday morning with a view to another race next week. The last-start runner-up in the $1m The Gong (1600m) at Kembla Grange snuck into the field at final scratchings and overcame a wide run from barrier 18 to upstage his rivals. Ridden by Dylan Gibbons, Loch Eagle ($18) stormed home down the centre of the track to beat Attractable ($8.50) by a long neck. Lion’s Roar ($6) ran third and Detonator Jack, the $5.50 favourite, was seventh after settling well back and running on late. “It’s a great thrill,” Lees said. “It’s great to win with Dylan and a really good bunch of owners. “At 7.29am he hadn’t gained a start and he was just about to have a gallop because he was going to prepare for a race next Saturday. “The phone call came through being third emergency and he had to overcome a wide gate.” Loch Eagle is a son of champion Lonhro, one of the most well-known gallopers to wear the famous cerise silks of the Ingham family. Gibbons took a punt to get cover from the wide gate and his bold move paid off. “We had a bit of a crack and went forward. Thankfully I was able to jag a spot, three-wide with cover,” Gibbons said. “He’s an absolute warrior this horse. “He’s slowly progressed through his grades, he’s always had a lot of ability but never had the luck. For him to win today and reward everyone, it’s great.” Loch Eagle booked an automatic start in the $4m Doncaster Mile (1600m) next autumn with his Ingham triumph.