Win for Doddie's Impact in first race of season raises thousands for MND charities

Doddie's Impact (left) ridden by jockey Billy Loughnane on their way to winning at Doncaster. Credit: PA Images

A horse named in honour Borders rugby legend Doddie Weir claimed victory in the opening race of the British Flat turf season.

Doddie's Impact, ridden by teenage jockey Billy Loughnane, beat the favourite Valadero to win in the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster.

Half of the £18,000 prize money will go to the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, set up by Weir in 2017.

Doddie Weir’s legacy as a Motor Neurone Disease campaigner
Doddie's Impact (left) on the way to a win at Doncaster. Credit: PA Images

The former Scotland international and Newcastle Falcons player died at the age of 52 in November, six years after he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

Inspired by Doddie's story, Cross Channel Racing worked with the Foundation to name the new horse for the 2023 season.

Before the race at Doncaster, trainer Robyn Brisland said: "He (Doddie's Impact) has a long, purposeful walk, well-developed shoulders, with a powerful middle frame and a lightly sprung rib cage.

Ex-teammate of Doddie Weir takes on 88km challenge to raise MND funds
Doddie's Impact, ridden by teenage jockey Billy Loughnane, beat the favourite Valadero to win in the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster. Credit: My Name'5 Doddie Foundation

Trainer Robyn Brisland said: "His pedigree was a standout to us at the yearling sales last year and he's done nothing but impress us since in terms of both his physical development and temperament.

"He is growing stronger by the day and will soon be ready to burn up the track!"