Wise Eagle's run at Ascot 'still a fairytale' after last place finish in Gold Cup

The owners of Northumberland race horse Wise Eagle have said they have had a "good day" at Ascot despite a last place finish in the Gold Cup.

The syndicate from Seahouses Social Club, made up of builders, a bookie and a pub landlord, bought the racehorse second hand for just £7,000 and there was great anticipation for his run at Ascot.

• Video report by Tom Barton.

Wise Eagle, who is trained by Adam Nicol on Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland, came 12th out of twelve runners.

Wayne Patterson, one of Wise Eagle's co-owners, said it had been a "great day".

He added: "Hey, but these days are what they are and look at the surroundings - it's absolutely fantastic, it's absolutely brilliant."

Ian Nicol, father of Wise Eagle's trainer described his pride in his son.

He said: "He just came through the ranks and you know, he puts in a lot of hard work too and you only get out what you put into it as they say.

"This is the pinnacle and dream do come true, hopefully."

Following the race, he added: "It’s great to be there but it would have been nice if we could have finished in a stronger position but I'm really proud of everybody, all the team and everybody."

Wise Eagle earned his place in the race after winning the Queen's Cup at Musselburgh in April and finished runner-up to Gold Cup favourite Coltrane at Ascot last month.

Although he did not make the podium today, those cheering him on back home say getting to the event was still a fairytale.

Co-owner Michael Graham's wife, Margaret Graham, said: "It's still a fairytale at the end of the day and there’s always next year."

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