Tag Archive for: Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt continues progression at Goodwood

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Charlie Johnston believes Ancient Egypt “could be the real deal” after he remained unbeaten at Goodwood on Sunday.

The Frankel colt cost 1,100,000 guineas as a yearling and after impressing on debut at Beverley last month, looked to face some useful opposition as he attempted to carry a penalty to success in the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes on the Sussex Downs.

Sent off 11-4 in the hands of Rowan Scott, he produced a professional display, racing prominently and knuckling down well in the closing stages to not only repel his rivals but suggest a bright future lies ahead.

Johnston is already dreaming of what the Amo Racing-owned colt could achieve when reaching his peak next season, but for the meantime could allow Ancient Egypt to continue climbing the pyramid in Newmarket’s Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes on September 27.

“It’s a bit of an overused phrase, but it’s never easy to give away a penalty in novice race,” said the Middleham trainer.

“I felt he needed more experience before he went up in grade and he’s a bit of a playboy, as you saw in the stalls he had a bit of a go and also while saddling, so mentally he’s still quite immature.

“I think there is a lot of improvement still to come and he’s a very exciting horse for next year in particular.

Charlie Johnston (left) with Ancient Egypt and other connections after victory at Goodwood
Charlie Johnston (left) with Ancient Egypt and other connections after victory at Goodwood (Steven Paston/PA)

“He’s well-entered and all of our eyes will probably turn to the Royal Lodge next which looks an obvious place to go. But we’ll need to be confident it is the right thing for the horse and we’ll see how he comes out of this and progresses at home.

“I would be very keen not to over-face him too much this year with a view to next year because I do think he could be the real deal, but if we think he is ready he could reappear in the Royal Lodge.”

Earlier on the card, Tribal Chief (15-2) booked his ticket to Newmarket’s bet365 Cambridgeshire on the same afternoon as the Royal Lodge after notching a welcome local success for David Menuisier in the Virgin Bet A Good Bet Handicap.

Johnston has plenty to look forward to with Ancient Egypt

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In a season where Charlie Johnston might yet hit the Classic target, he has high hopes for the future with Ancient Egypt after the regally-bred youngster made a winning debut at Beverley last week.

Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing operation went to 1,100,000 guineas for the son of Frankel out of Atone, who is a sister to Midday.

Ridden by Rowan Scott, he needed all of the extended seven-furlong trip to get on top but was doing his best work in the closing stages and Johnston – who won the same race 12 months ago with his dual Derby-placed and now St Leger-bound colt Lazy Griff – is keen to get him out again this season.

“He’s come out of the race good, I was relieved to get his head in front on debut,” said the Middleham handler.

“He horse we’ve always liked. He’s a big boy. He’s a horse for next year. I’m not sure what we’ll do with him now, I’m sure we’ll see him again at least once more this year, quite how quickly we step up in class, we’ll have to have a think about, but he’s a he’s a smart horse.

“I love the way he was only just getting half the idea in the last furlong when he went and put it to bed. Rowan took about half an hour to pull him up and come back in again so he’ll take a big step forward from that. We think he’s a smart horse.

“It was the same race that Lazy Griff won. I’m not going to stand here and say that I’ve been planning that for months, but after he worked last week I thought it was the entry, so let’s hope he ends up in the same sort of echelons as him.”