Former Nottingham Forest striker Dexter Blackstock is bidding for glory at Royal Ascot this week.
The former Reds favourite, who scored 44 goals in seven years at the City Ground, has entered the world of racing since hanging up his boots and one his horses is running at the famed Berkshire course on Thursday.
First Prophet, trained by Charlie Fellowes, a Forest fan, earned victory in its debut at Newbury on Friday, and now heads to Ascot to compete in Thursday’s Chesham Stakes, where it is 7/1 to claim victory.
“I’ve always been a fan of racing and have just been waiting for the right horse,” Blackstock told the Racing Post.
“Charlie thought this was a top, top horse who could go all the way, so I put the money in and we came together to give it a go.
“It would be massive to have a runner at Royal Ascot. I go there most years and to have a runner is something I could never have imagined.
“It's great to be able to do this with Charlie. I think he's one of the best trainers in the country, outside of the powerhouses. He’s gradually getting better horses and once he gets those he’ll be competing with the top trainers.”
Blackstock, who has spent the lockdown delivering PPE to hospitals as part of his company MediConnect, now has a choice to make though.
"He was bought as an investment but now we’re faced with a tough dilemma of whether to continue the dream of Ascot and beyond or to cash out,” he said.
