Hickory wins Ascot 16:48 as Betfair odds tip fails
Hickory (15/2) won Ascot's 16:48 Hospitality Handicap on Friday, September 4, 2026, beating Moonfall and Zennor Storm in a Class 2 mile. Pre-race Betfair odds flagged Mark Milligan's each-way 20/1 pick Jolly Jack Tar, who finished last of 13 after a long layoff. The race paid £23,193 to the winner.
Key Takeaways
- Hickory, ridden by Saffie Osborne for trainer J A Osborne, won the Ascot Hospitality Handicap (Str) at 15/2.
- Moonfall (15/2) was second and Zennor Storm (8/1) third in a 13-runner Class 2 contest over 1m.
- Betfair odds priced Mark Milligan's each-way Ascot fancy Jolly Jack Tar at 20/1 (21.00); he finished 13th at SP 16/1.
- Favourite Spanish Voice (9/2) faded to eighth after leading mid-race on good to firm in places going.
- Tote returns included Win 8.50, Exacta 81.10 and Trifecta 521.90, with a winning time of 1m 42.03s.
Who won the 16:48 Ascot Hospitality Handicap?
According to Racing TV results, Hickory (IRE) took the Ascot Hospitality Handicap (Str), a Class 2 turf mile for three-year-olds and up.
The eight-year-old carried 9-5 in cheekpieces from draw 11 for owners Martyn and Elaine Booth. Race comments said he was taken down early, held up toward the rear, waited for room over 1f out, then switched left and ran strongly to lead late and win going away.
Moonfall (IRE), trained by George Boughey and ridden by Jack Callan, was beaten three-quarters of a length at the same 15/2 SP. Zennor Storm, under Tom Marquand for William Haggas, finished another three-quarters of a length back at 8/1.
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What did Betfair odds say before the Ascot 16:48?
Betfair tipster Mark Milligan named Jolly Jack Tar his speculative Ascot play, advising an each-way bet at Betfair odds of 20/1 (21.00 decimal) on the Sportsbook, with sportsbook pricing also shown at 18/1.
Milligan argued the John & Thady Gosden and Godolphin five-year-old was returning from a 15-month spell on the sidelines after finishing last of 18 at Glorious Goodwood in 2025. He noted a BHA rating of 92, prior all-weather wins, and a previous ability to win fresh after a layoff.
On the day, Jolly Jack Tar started at 16/1 under William Buick. Racing TV reported he led early, dropped away, and finished last of 13, detached inside the final furlong.
How did the rest of the Ascot field and betting finish?
Thirteen runners contested the Class 2 on good (good to firm in places) going. Classic (5/1) was a close fourth, ahead of Hard Endeavor (8/1) and Arctic Thunder (11/2).
Market favourite Spanish Voice, sent off 9/2, led after two furlongs but weakened once headed over 1f out and finished eighth. Higher-rated Blue Rc (14/1) was tenth, while Urban Lion (18/1), Witch Hunter (33/1) and Mythical Guest (40/1) were also out of the frame.
Place dividends were 2.40, 3.20 and 3.20, with swingers at 8.60, 18.30 and 11.90. The result underlines why sportsbook Betfair odds matter for value hunters, even when a 20/1 narrative tip does not land.