Crystal Palace defender James Tomkins owns Rohaan, a July Cup contender who has jumped from a rating of 55 to 116 after winning the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.
Since becoming a part-owner of July Cup contender Rohaan, Crystal Palace defender James Tomkins has been on a fairy-tale ride that reminds him of Jamie Vardy’s climb from non-league to Premier League champion.
After seeing the David Evans-trained gelding win impressively at Ascot, James Tomkins joined Rohaan’s ownership group, managed by Chris Kiely – son of Palace goalkeeping coach Dean Kiely – in April.
The three-year-old had won five times since December of last year, and his rating had risen from 55 to 95.
Tomkins was able to join in the festivities when Rohaan won the Group Two Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock, followed by a spectacular victory in the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.
“When I think of Jamie Vardy, he came up through the ranks,” Tomkins told Sky Sports Racing. “His growth has been astounding.
“After seeing him run at Ascot [in April] with Ryan Moore on board, I got involved for the first time. The way he ran that day was incredible, and it really caught my attention.
“It’s a dream come true to watch it proceed from there to winning at Royal Ascot and being entered in the July Cup.”
“Horse racing is one of my favourite pastimes. My grandfather used to take me to Newmarket on a regular basis when I was a kid, so I blame him!”
Although the former England junior footballer was unable to attend the Royal gathering due to his off-season vacation in Spain, he nevertheless managed to enjoy the occasion.
“I wish I could have gone, and I regret not being able to be there, but I had a lot of fun in Spain,” Tomkins added. “Even though I wasn’t there, it was a good day.”
Tomkins says he’ll be nervous as he watches Rohaan compete for Group One honours at Newmarket on Saturday, but the connections are overjoyed with their horse.
“It’s a tough race, and there are a couple of strong horses in it,” Tomkins remarked. “We’re going there on the basis of a chance, which is a dream come true in and of itself.
“I’m just genuinely looking forward to the race. Anything may happen, and I believe that a little more rain would benefit us, but we’re going in with a positive attitude. We couldn’t ask any more of him because he’s in terrific shape and looking well in training.
“With all the nerves coursing through my veins, I don’t think I’ll have time to even consider placing a wager. Winning the race is sufficient in and of itself.”
Tomkins, who represented England from U16 to U21, is aiming for a double celebration this weekend as he watches Gareth Southgate’s team compete in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday.
“Having our squad in the Euro final is very amazing,” Tomkins added. “Because of the way we’ve been playing, controlling, and seeing out games, we must be favourites coming into the game.
“All of England’s players in training at Palace believe they will win on Sunday.
“If Rohaan wins the July Cup on Saturday and England wins the final on Sunday, that’ll be a weekend to remember!”
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