GREEN DESTINY (6-1) fulfilled his early promise with an easy win in the 52nd John Smith’s Cup at York on Saturday.

He was ridden with confidence by 18-year-old Adam Beschizza, who became the sixth consecutive apprentice jockey to win the valuable handicap.

William Haggas has made no secret of the regard in which he holds the four-year-old, and Group races now surely beckon after his three-and-a-half-length stroll.

The well-backed favourite, the Roger Varian-trained Pekan Star, threatened three furlongs out but eventually faded to finish 15th.

“He picked up very well,” said Haggas.

“He was supposed to do that at Ascot and we came here not certain he would stay.

“I always thought he wanted soft ground but he obviously doesn’t. He was very well ridden, I must say.

“I don’t imagine the handicapper will be very kind to him, so we’ll have to have a think about his next race.

“I’ve wanted to win this race ever since I started training as I grew up in Skipton.”

Beschizza added: “He must be very good to pass 20 horses in the straight.

“The feel he gave me it’s possible he’s a Group horse.

“I had a good year last year but it’s been slower this season. My 5lb claim went so quick.”