Tag Archive for: Royal Ascot Festival

Lava Stream team mapping out ambitious schedule

/in /by

The Nassau Stakes and Yorkshire Oaks are among the high-profile options under consideration for Lava Stream following her narrow defeat at Royal Ascot.

David O’Meara’s filly has made giant strides since rounding off a four-race juvenile campaign with a narrow novice win at Ayr, making a winning reappearance in handicap company at Doncaster off a mark of 74 before successfully stepping up to Listed class at Goodwood.

The daughter of Too Darn Hot faced another hike in grade for the Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes and was priced up accordingly at 20-1, but belied her odds with an excellent effort – travelling powerfully to the lead before Aidan O’Brien’s Port Fairy battled back to prevail by a neck.

As stud manager for owners Elwick Stud, Gary Moore has been part of Lava Stream’s journey since the day she was foaled and he is excited to see what the rest of the season has in store.

He said: “She ran a blinder, didn’t she? Danny (Tudhope) thought he hit the front a bit soon and if he’d held onto her a bit longer, she would have gone past (Port Fairy), and she wouldn’t have battled back. He was a bit gutted but we were over the moon – second in the Ribblesdale is fantastic.

“She’s always travelled well in her races – she’s got quite a lot of speed. It doesn’t matter what the ground is like, she’s pretty straightforward. You just need to give her a chance early and she doesn’t half quicken.

“She kind of half plans herself, as we may as well aim high now. David was thinking about putting her in the Nassau. After that, we’ll have to go for the Yorkshire Oaks I’d say and then aim for the Fillies & Mares (at Ascot on Champions Day) at the end of the year, probably.

“David did mention supplementing for the Irish Oaks, but there’s plenty of other races. We can look at the Nassau and the Yorkshire Oaks, rather than trying to fit in the Irish one, but David might change his mind, you never know.”

Lava Stream (grey) came close to victory at Royal Ascot
Lava Stream (grey) came close to victory at Royal Ascot (John Walton/PA)

Lava Stream’s performance is a significant boost to a stud founded by the late Geoff Turnbull, with her dam Stream Song still producing at Sheraton Farm in County Durham.

“Lava Stream was always a good-looking animal, she always had that touch of class about her and I always loved her,” Moore added.

“We’ve got a Sea The Stars yearling colt that’s really nice, probably as nice as Lava Stream at this stage, and there’s a Baaeed foal who could be even better – she’s got a lot of class about her.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Maher plotting Melbourne Cup tilt with Middle Earth

/in /by

Ciaron Maher is already making plans for Middle Earth after the four-year-old he owns in a partnership with Qatar Racing finished third in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Not surprisingly, the Melbourne Cup is on the agenda, with the Caulfield Cup likely to figure in his schedule as well.

He is not on his travels just yet, though, with John and Thady Gosden looking to run him in Europe at least once more before he heads to Australia.

“He was a little bit slow into gear and they only went a moderate tempo and he closed off really well,” Maher told www.racing.com.

“We’ll just work out where he is in terms of handicapping, but we’re very excited to get him out here.

“I’d say the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups would be the go.”

Pentle Bay (yellow hat) was no match for Bedtime Story
Pentle Bay (yellow cap) was no match for Bedtime Story (David Davies/PA)

Maher also has an interest in the George Boughey-trained Chesham Stakes runner-up Pentle Bay, a New Bay colt he now owns in a partnership with Teme Valley Racing, who themselves only bought the juvenile after his debut win at Leicester.

“I was just going to see where the Caulfield Guineas sat with him, obviously it’s tough to do early in the season being a Northern Hemisphere two-year-old, three-year-old,” Maher said.

“He’s obviously got some ability, he’s bred to get over ground and you wouldn’t think a New Bay should be doing what he’s doing. He’s got plenty of options.”

Maher will also take care of Sayedaty Sadaty, fifth in the Derby for Andrew Balding.

He has been purchased by Australian Bloodstock, the team behind 2022 Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip.

“Our trick is we have to beat the handicapper, but we need to make sure we get into the race,” said Luke Murrell of Australian Bloodstock.

“He is probably going to be better suited at 2400 metres at this early stage. But he definitely profiles like he will stick on for a Melbourne Cup.

“He was third-up into the Derby, so his next two runs should hopefully be impressive and that will give us a better indication.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Charlton rues the one that got away with King’s Gambit a York possible

/in /by

The Sky Bet York Stakes has emerged as a potential next port of call for King’s Gambit following his luckless defeat at Royal Ascot last week.

Harry Charlton’s Saxon Warrior colt was a hot favourite for Thursday’s Hampton Court Stakes after routing his rivals in the London Gold Cup at Newbury, but connections were left wondering what might have been after he charged home from an unpromising position to finish a close second to Brian Meehan’s Jayarebe.

King’s Gambit already holds an entry in the Group Two Princess of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket over a mile and a half, but he could instead stick to a mile and a quarter and seek compensation on the Knavesmire on July 27.

“Take nothing away from Brian’s horse, who is a lovely horse. He won the race and we can’t forget that,” Charlton told Sky Sports Racing.

“From the moment the gates opened William (Buick) was never able to get where he wanted to, we were a long way back and even in the straight we got a bump or two. He made up an exceptional amount of ground and was closing the winner down, but it was just too much of an effort for him.

“He’s run with huge credit and we’re very proud of him, but had things panned out a little differently in the first two furlongs, I’m sure a victory was possible for him. In that sense it’s frustrating, but we need to be realistic and say that’s racing – and he’s a horse to look forward to.”

Considering future plans, Charlton added: “He’s in the Group Two at Newmarket against older horses. It’s a possible, that’s obviously up in trip, and he might stay at 10 furlongs, so maybe something like the Sky Bet at York is a possibility.

“There are a few other races – there are some three-year-old only 10-furlong races at Deauville in August – but I suspect we might be leaning towards York.

“We’ll discuss it with Mohammed Jaber (owner) once we’ve got through this week and just see how he’s come out of the race. I think when you go and run a big effort like that, it takes more out of you than you think because you’ve run a lot further than some other horses and made up a lot of ground.”

Hand Of God winning at Royal Ascot
Hand Of God winning at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA)

Charlton saddled just four horses across the five-day meeting, striking gold with Hand Of God in Saturday’s Golden Gates Stakes after Kikkuli had pushed Haatem to a short head in the Jersey Stakes earlier that afternoon. His only runner not placed was Roarin’ Success in the Kensington Palace Stakes and she effectively lost all chance by rearing in the stalls.

The trainer admitted to having mixed emotions, saying: “You go there hoping for a winner and we came away with a winner and two seconds.

“We have to be delighted, but obviously you’re always thinking what could have been. Maybe we were due another one, but it didn’t quite happen.

“Hand Of God was well handicapped on the basis that we hadn’t run him since Sandown. We went into the week thinking and hoping that we had a horse with quite a few pounds in hand and that’s how it transpired.”

He went on: “He’s got a huge stride for the size of horse he is and he’s always had a wonderful attitude. He’s a horse we’ve always liked and when you’ve got horses like King’s Gambit and Kikkuli around, it makes it a lot easier to put a gauge on where the horses are in terms of ability.

“He was showing plenty of ability before, so went into the week thinking he was our best chance of a win and that’s how it proved.

“I guess he’s heading for a 10lb rise, we’ll see what the handicapper does tomorrow (Tuesday) and make plans from there. He’s in the John Smith’s Cup and the weights are already out. He’s on 7st 11lb and he’ll get a 5lb penalty, but I’d be surprised if that’s enough to get in.

“He is in the valuable 10-furlong handicap at Newmarket’s July meeting for three-year-olds, that’s also an option, but Mohammed Jaber might say he wants to step up in class and he would be perfectly entitled to do so, so we’ll have a few discussions and see where we get to.

“He’s exciting because we haven’t got the max of him yet.”

Kikkuli (pink hat) is touched off by Haatem in the Jersey Stakes
Kikkuli (pink hat) is touched off by Haatem in the Jersey Stakes (John Walton/PA)

Kikkuli is bred in the purple as a half-brother to the great Frankel by crack sire Kingman and Charlton is excited to see what the rest of the season has in store following his narrow Jersey defeat.

“I haven’t watched it back as many times as some, but I’m told before the line and after the line he was ahead,” he added.

“He travelled exceptionally strong and I actually don’t think they went a great pace.

“Haatem is an incredible horse and has had lots of runs and for Kikkuli to run him that close is mighty impressive in what I thought was a very deep Jersey.

“It’s exciting to think what he might be able to do down the line.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Guarnieri pencils in Deauville date for Big Rock

/in /by

Big Rock will likely bid to get his career back on track at Deauville later in the summer after a disappointing run in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The four-year-old was a brilliant all-the-way winner of last season’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over the same course and distance on Champions Day, but has not managed to recapture that form since leaving Christopher Head to join Maurizio Guarnieri.

After being beaten into sixth place on his stable debut in the Lockinge at Newbury last month, hopes were high that Big Rock would raise his game on his return to the scene of his finest hour.

However, after blazing a trail down the centre of the track, with only compatriot Facteur Cheval for company as the rest of the field raced towards the stands’ rail, he weakened out of contention to finish 10th.

Guarnieri believes the forceful tactics backfired on quick ground and hopes to see him return to an easier surface at Deauville, where he could either contest the Prix Jacques le Marois on August 11 or drop down in class in search of a confidence-boosting success.

“He is OK after the race, but as you know he went on the right and most of the other horses were on the left,” said the trainer.

“I think after five furlongs on a track that was very hard, the race was finished (for him).

“He will probably go to Deauville, I’m not sure if we go in the Group One or in a Group Three.”

The following afternoon Guarnieri saddled four-time Group One-winning filly Blue Rose Cen in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, but she too was unable to land a telling blow, finishing a well-beaten seventh of 10 behind Auguste Rodin.

The daughter of Churchill also has Deauville on her agenda.

Guarnieri added: “With Blue Rose Cen we tried to win, but with a four-year-old filly in the first part of the year, it is very difficult to beat a big, champion colt like Auguste Rodin.

“We tried to beat a champion, but the champion is the champion and he is a very strong horse.

“For us it is better to run with fillies. She was a champion filly as a two-year-old and a three-year-old, but she never ran against colts and it’s not so easy to go against horses like Auguste Rodin and all the others.

“Normally, she will go to Deauville for Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville on August 18.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Goodwood return on the cards for Facteur Cheval

/in /by

Facteur Cheval will be readied for a second tilt at the Sussex Stakes following his “nightmare” outing at Royal Ascot.

The five-year-old found only Paddington too strong at Goodwood last year and following further placed efforts in Group One company in the Prix du Moulin and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day, he broke his top-level duck with a surprise victory in the Dubai Turf at Meydan in March.

Facteur Cheval was considered a major contender for the curtain-raising Queen Anne Stakes, but after tracking his pacesetting compatriot Big Rock for much of the way, he was left out on his own when the race began in earnest and passed the post a well-beaten sixth.

“The tactics of following Big Rock (did not work) as at the three-furlong pole he had to make his effort on his own, which was impossible,” said trainer Jerome Reynier.

“He needs someone (another horse) to rely on and he was just on his own. He’s a fighter and when he won the Dubai Turf he came between horses and when Namur came on his outside he kept battling hard.

“He also lost a shoe, I think quite early in the race (at Ascot), so it was just a disaster and a nightmare.

“The plan is to go back to Goodwood because he ran so well there last year. Obviously the ground was very heavy and I think he is better with a bit of cut in the ground.”

On the same afternoon Reynier saddled Group Three winner Darlinghurst in the St James’s Palace Stakes and on first inspection the 40-1 shot had his limitations exposed, finishing last of eight.

However, his trainer is adamant his charge is better than he showed, adding: “He travelled pretty well but Christophe (Soumillon) felt he was a bit anxious and not breathing properly and we think he’s been playing with his tongue.

“He was making a bit of noise after the race and we scoped him and everything was fine, so next time out I think we’ll go for the Prix Daphnis at Deauville on August 4, a Group Three for three-year-olds over a mile, and he’ll probably be wearing a tongue-tie.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

International mission an option for Zarakem

/in /by

Jerome Reynier is considering the Juddmonte International as a potential stepping-stone to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with Zarakem following his excellent effort in defeat at Royal Ascot.

Having disappointed as favourite for the Prix Ganay, the French raider was a widely unconsidered 33-1 shot for what looked a red-hot renewal of Wednesday’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes, but did his connections proud by emerging best of the rest behind the now six-time Group One winner Auguste Rodin.

“It was just unreal, Maxime (Guyon) rode the perfect race from the inside,” said his trainer.

“I think Auguste Rodin was very hard to beat that day, but we were a clear second and he has run the best race of his life.

“He has now shown that he’s able to win a Group Two on heavy ground and finish second to a top-class horse in a Prince of Wales’s on fast ground, so he’s very versatile and a pure athlete.”

Reynier has identified Europe’s premier middle-distance contest back on home soil at ParisLongchamp in October as the four-year-old’s ultimate target, but he could first return to Britain for another top-level prize at York in late August.

He added: “He seems to be improving mentally and physically, so maybe the best is yet to come and we can aim for the Arc at the end of the year with him.

“He won a Group Two in Longchamp, so he handles the track and he doesn’t mind the ground and he promises to be a horse who could have a decent chance in the Arc.

“Maybe we will go to York for the Juddmonte International, that would be an interesting race and it is right between the Prince of Wales’s and the Arc, so it could be a good race to run in.

“I think he will only have one more run (before the Arc), just with all the travel and everything and he’s a horse who likes his races spaced out quite a bit, so it would be better to arrive in the Arc without too many runs under his belt.

“We want him to be fresh for the end of the year because after the Arc he could go for the Japan Cup or the Hong Kong Vase.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Nicholls eyeing six-furlong switch for Maw Lam

/in /by

Adrian Nicholls knew he had a smart filly on his hands in the shape of Maw Lam and despite her being sent off at 50-1 in the Queen Mary, she justified his confidence with a fast-finishing third.

Had she hit top gear earlier under Hollie Doyle, the daughter of Acclamation may well have troubled the impressive winner Leovanni.

Given how well she finished her race, Nicholls is considering options over six furlongs as well as five, but as yet nothing is set in stone.

“We’ve got a few options going forward,” he said.

“She’ll probably get put in the second stage of the Prix Robert Papin, the Cherry Hinton could be on the cards also. Any five or six-furlong race from Listed upwards will be in the mix, I’ll have to talk to Chris Hirst (owner) about it.

“She ran a really good race and she is obviously a very talented filly but there isn’t a very good programme after Ascot for five-furlong two-year-olds, so we might have to step her up to six – I think she’ll stay though.

“The Molecomb is an option but with Goodwood being speed orientated, it might take her off her feet. Hollie did say it wasn’t as if she missed the break, though, she was just slow into her stride, but you can’t do that at Goodwood.

“That’s my job to do some work around the stalls, but over six it won’t be so much of an issue.

“It would be nice to win a Listed race before moving back up but she’s in the sales race at York, which is a big pot. Chris is building his own team of broodmares and as she’s got the black type, it’s not like he’s trying to promote her to sell her, so that’s an option.”

Nicholls went on: “I think she’s the best juvenile we’ve had, the good horses we’ve had have developed later on. We had Mamba Wamba and then Mo Celita came along, but she’s the best juvenile we’ve had. Normally our horses progress.

“She could have been second at Ascot, with a bit of luck she’d have won the Hilary Needler, so she’s going the right way. You need the rub of the green and hopefully she’ll get it somewhere this year.

“Tony Hamilton does a lot of work with her and he told us in February that she was a bit special.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Dwyer eager to extend Asfoora party through the summer

/in /by

Henry Dwyer is looking forward to further British outings at Goodwood and York this summer after his Australian speedball Asfoora’s triumph in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The five-year-old was beaten into fourth on her UK debut in Haydock’s Temple Stakes last month, but raised her game to become the sixth Australian-trained winner of Tuesday’s five-furlong Group One.

Dwyer and his connections enjoyed a week-long party at the Berkshire circuit and while he is shortly jetting home, his star mare is staying put, as she looks to continue her European adventure in the King George Stakes at Goodwood, the Nunthorpe at York and potentially the Prix d l’Abbaye at ParisLongchamp.

Dwyer said: “We had a pretty late night and a big party in London. We’ve been here all week and it’s been similar each night, so I’m looking forward to 24 hours on the plane to myself!

“It was unexpected, which made it a little bit less stressful before the race, and after the race it was just surreal. It was satisfying and exciting.”

Of Asfoora, he added: “She’s going to have two weeks in the paddock now as we’ve got six weeks between now and Goodwood. She came through Ascot really well, she’s nice and bright and in good shape.

Henry Dwyer at Royal Ascot
Henry Dwyer at Royal Ascot (John Walton/PA)

“We’ll probably head to Goodwood, then York and then maybe France and America, we’ll see what happens.

“The grand final was meant to be the Nunthorpe, but she’s got the job done already, so whatever happens now is a bonus.

“Considering she’s come out of the King Charles well, she should continue in the same form and will hopefully be competitive in those races too, I think.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

New sponsors needed for Guineas Festival and King George

/in /by

Qipco has extended its sponsorship of British Champions Day but will relinquish its backing of the Guineas Festival at Newmarket and King George weekend at Ascot from next year.

The Qatar Investment and Project Development Holding Co is also reducing its support for the British Champions Series as from 2025, but will remain an official partner of Ascot racecourse.

Qatar Racing’s manager David Redvers said: “We wish to concentrate our focus on developing British Champions Day, along with our partnership with Ascot at the Royal meeting.

“We feel we have helped to develop the Series in the last 14 years and are proud that it has over one million followers on social media platforms and has delivered the Hall of Fame and Club 26, which recently celebrated its 10,000th member in just over a year since it was launched.

“We will continue to be huge advocates of British Champions Series. We are also proud to have helped Newmarket maintain the importance of the Guineas Festival during our involvement, which includes record prize money for the two Classic races.”

Jockey Club Racecourses managing director Amy Starkey said: “On behalf of everyone at Newmarket racecourses and the Jockey Club, I would like to thank Qipco for their sustained support and passion for the 2000 and 1000 Guineas across the last 14 years.

“The growth of the Guineas Festival since 2011 is testament to Qipco’s continued investment in British racing and it has been a pleasure to work with a partner who is so committed to our sport and the Classics, which remain its pinnacle.

“As the largest shareholder in British Champions Series and by extension British Champions Day, we look forward to continuing to support both initiatives as they embark on their next chapter.”

British Champions Series Limited will be seeking new partners from 2025 but chief executive Rod Street conveyed his gratitude for the past support from Qipco.

He said: “Qipco has helped us to build a valuable asset, which enables partners to be associated with the very best of British racing from the first Classic race of the season, through the summer and up to Champions Day – 26 Group One fixtures in all.

“Since 2011, Qipco has provided a significant financial contribution to British racing, helping us to pay out £47m in prize money since the inception of British Champions Day at Ascot each October.

“We are delighted Qipco has chosen to continue to support this important day, reflecting our shared belief that Britain is home to the best racing in the world and merits a world-class season finale.

“We must never underestimate the importance of long-standing partnerships like these and the enormous generosity of sponsors, without whom top-class racing could not thrive. We look forward to continuing to work with them over the next two years.”

Redvers added: “Their Royal Highnesses Sheikhs Hamad and Fahad al Thani’s earliest involvement in British racing came with the commitment to helping promote the top-tier of the sport.

“They remain proud of the success of Qipco British Champions Day – which is a rare innovation in racing.

“In addition to cementing the day’s status in the world horseracing calendar, we are thrilled to have grown a new, younger audience to attend the races that day, showcasing the sport we have to offer to the fans of the future.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Uxmal gives Joseph O’Brien another Queen Alexandra victory

/in /by

Uxmal provided trainer Joseph O’Brien with back-to-back victories in the Queen Alexandra Stakes that brought Royal Ascot 2024 to a close.

The Owning Hill handler saddled Dawn Rising to win the extended two-mile-five-furlong marathon 12 months ago and the JP McManus-owned gelding was in the field again as he looked to defend his crown.

Ridden by William Buick, Dawn Rising led his rivals into the home straight, but his stablemate and 2-1 favourite Uxmal was going ominously well in his wing mirrors under Dylan Browne McMonagle and after hitting the front he never looked in any real danger of being caught.

The admirable veteran Run For Oscar, a luckless third last year, again made late gains to pick up minor honours, but Uxmal was well on top as he passed the post with five lengths in hand.

O’Brien was saddling his fourth Royal Ascot winner, but it was a first for the rider.

Uxmal was a first Royal Ascot winner for Dylan Browne McMonagle
Uxmal was a first Royal Ascot winner for Dylan Browne McMonagle (John Walton/PA)

McMonagle said: “Massive thanks to Joseph and all the team for having him in such good form. This is definitely the biggest place in the world to have a winner, and I’m thrilled.

“It means everything – growing up as a kid, you’re looking at it and these are the places you want to ride winners. I hope this is the first of many!”

O’Brien said: “It’s nice to get a winner and I’m delighted to get a winner for the Niarchos team (owners) at Ascot, it’s very special.

“It’s been a long week waiting for a winner and I’ve had to wait until the final race so now we can relax.

“I’m very proud of the horse’s run and he is an exciting stayer for the future. It was a great ride by Dylan, and his first winner at Royal Ascot, so it’s very special.

“We appreciate how special it is for us all to have winners (father Aidan and brother Donnacha were also on the mark), we’re lucky we have the support of great owners and great people. It’s special to get on the scoreboard here, it was beginning to feel like a long week so it’s great to get a winner.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

O’Brien and Moore take top Royal meeting trainer and jockey titles again

/in /by

Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore crowned another fine week at Royal Ascot by claiming the top trainer and jockey awards.

For Moore it was his 11th title, while for O’Brien it was a case of lucky 13. For both it was their third in a row.

Landmarks also came for the pair during the five days, with Moore overtaking Frankie Dettori as the most successful current rider at the showpiece meeting when Port Fairy took the Ribblesdale and O’Brien winning his 400th Group/Grade One race when Auguste Rodin landed the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

Bedtime Story’s spectacular Chesham Stakes win on the final afternoon made it six wins each for the O’Brien-Moore axis, taking their overall Royal Ascot tallies to 91 and 85 respectively.

“It was unbelievable to win so many races here, it’s so hard and a very prestigious place to win,” said O’Brien.

“It’s an unbelievable atmosphere, track, facilities, people, everybody is just unbelievable here. You have to come to feel it and be part of it to know how special it is really.

“We’re just so lucky to have it (Royal Ascot) in this part of the world. We feel very grateful and privileged.”

When asked for his highlight of the week, O’Brien did not hesitate in nominating Auguste Rodin’s return to winning ways on Wednesday.

He told Sky Sports Racing: “Auguste Rodin is such a special horse. We’re only really starting to see (what he is capable of), we’re only starting to work him out properly now we think.

“He’s an incredible horse, pure class in every way – pedigree, looks, movement, personality and the way he wants to win now.

“We’re just so lucky that he didn’t go to stud last year, it was either him or Paddington and we were hoping that he would stay in training. It was very brave and very sporting of the lads, but I think it’s really going to pay off. He’s just one of those very special horses, we think.”

The O’Brien-trained Kyprios regaining his Gold Cup crown was another special moment, helping the Coolmore partners secure the leading owner prize.

Paul Smith, son of Derrick Smith, said: “It’s an absolute honour to win it. It’s such a fantastic event, a difficult event to get even one winner, let alone six, so we feel really privileged. The weather has made it for everybody, we have just had a brilliant time and are so pleased to be here.

“Kyprios coming back was a great training feat – fantastic. The two-year-old today (Bedtime Story) was the wow factor; seeing Auguste win again… so they were all good. We are just blessed to have so many good chances, and some of them came in.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Hand Of God scores Golden Gates winner for Harry Charlton

/in /by

On the 38th anniversary of the Diego Maradona goal that knocked England out of the 1986 World Cup, Hand Of God was an appropriate winner of the Golden Gates Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Having rounded off his juvenile campaign with a maiden victory at Newmarket, the Harry Charlton-trained colt won on his handicap debut at Sandown in April and was a 9-4 favourite to complete the hat-trick in the hands of William Buick.

The son of Churchill picked up well once asked to go about his business and passed the post with a length and three-quarters in hand over Cambridge, with Black Run third.

It was a deserved victory this week for Charlton after King’s Gambit came from the clouds to finish second in the Hampton Court Stakes in the same colours on Thursday, while Kikkuli was beaten just a short head in the Jersey Stakes earlier on Saturday’s card.

Charlton said: “He didn’t have a great trip, but he had a clear run and picked up very quick and William thought he almost got there too soon.

Hand Of God powers clear to win
Hand Of God powers clear to win (David Davies/PA)

“It was hard to plan as the complexion of the race changed so much with the non-runners as we were originally drawn 17 of 19 and it came down to 10 of 12 so it wasn’t as bad as it first looked

“The plan was to be mid-div and not three off the rail, I think he was further back than planned and he was three off the rail so it didn’t go to plan, but he picked up great.

“I think he’s still a 10-furlong horse; he’s got a great mind and is good physically. He’s not done much wrong and I guess he’s probably due a step up in class. He works with King’s Gambit, so we were all quite confident.

“Credit to Mohammed Jaber as he’s had a tough week with what happened to King’s Gambit, we all thought we were a bit unlucky that day so for him to get a winner is important.”

Buick said: “I know there were a few non-runners, but to be drawn 17 at a mile and a quarter is a notoriously hard draw. We got in where we could and got a lovely rhythm. To be honest, when he picked up early in the straight, he was pretty instant and progressive to the line.

“He gave me a really good feel. He’s very comfortable at a mile and a quarter, I would say that he’s been needing this trip. He’s a young horse going places.”

He added: “King’s Gambit in the Hampton Court was a very unlucky loser. We kind of lost it at the start, unfortunately, where we got back and then the race was getting away from us – there wasn’t much of a pace and it was very much a Plan B sort of ride.

“It wasn’t the plan to ride him (King’s Gambit) like that at all, but it was through unfortunate circumstances and he ran very well to finish second as close as he did. I believe he should have won, but he’s a nice horse for the future, and Hand Of God winning now gives some compensation.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Unequal Love is Wokingham wonder for Haggas

/in /by

William Haggas claimed his first winner of this year’s Royal Ascot meeting as Unequal Love emerged victorious in the Wokingham Stakes.

The master of Somerville Lodge had saddled 15 previous winners at the showpiece fixture, but with Space Legend and Lake Forest both second on Friday and Doom and Maljoom finishing third earlier in the week, it was in danger of becoming a frustrating few days.

Unequal Love (12-1) had won five of her nine starts in the colours of Cheveley Park Stud, including a Listed victory at Newmarket on her first run of the current campaign, and was last seen finishing fifth in the Group Two Greenlands Stakes in Ireland.

The daughter of Dutch Art was dropping back into handicap company and after quickening up to lead, she had enough in reserve to fend off the strong-finishing 4-1 favourite Dark Trooper by half a length, with Orazio only a head further behind in third.

Haggas said: “I wasn’t going to run her to be honest with you, but Mrs (Patricia) Thompson said she had all her grandchildren coming and that she would like a runner, so I said I’d be delighted – what do I know!

“We knew the pace was on that side, I’m so thrilled, absolutely delighted. She’s homebred so to have a winner at Ascot for Cheveley Park, it’s just brilliant.”

Marquand said: “It was good to have a winner yesterday, but without a Summerville Lodge winner it just felt that the week was just lacking something.

“I’m thrilled to win on this filly as she’s one of my favourites in training. She’s not a Group One filly, but just her demeanour and everything about her and being one of Cheveley Park’s it’s nice.

“To be fair you could have nearly written her off being drawn one, it looked an impossible task on paper.

“She’s a lot quicker to get moving now and it’s a case of measuring when to go and win the race, but I had no choice about when to go. I couldn’t believe how well she was moving after a couple of furlongs.”

James Doyle said of Dark Trooper: “He’s a dude, he’s run a cracker. The action was just away from me a bit – he prefers to follow, follow, follow, and have a crack. But the runners dropped away and my targets were no longer targets inside the three, so we had to make a bit of running by ourselves, but really proud of him.”

Saffie Osborne was left frustrated after flying from last place into third on Orazio.

She said: “Obviously I was sat last – a lot of traffic issues. It’s frustrating as I felt like another couple of strides and I would have been in front, but it’s one of those things in those big-field handicaps.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

First success is the sweetest for emotional Shepherd

/in /by

A first ever Royal Ascot winner is in itself a poignant moment, but the emotion seemed to run a little deeper than usual for Callum Shepherd when winning the Hardwicke Stakes aboard Isle Of Jura.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a prosperous partnership with the horse since he joined trainer George Scott’s stable, faring particularly well throughout the winter in Bahrain – the homeland of his owner Sheikh Nasser.

Though Isle Of Jura’s continued success has given the Shepherd much to celebrate, there was a significant and much-discussed low point for him earlier this year when the Derby came around in June.

Shepherd was due to ride James Fanshawe’s Ambiente Friendly in the Classic, aboard whom he was the wide-margin winner of the Lingfield Derby Trial.

The Gredley family, owners of the colt, opted to replace him in favour of Robert Havlin, however, and Shepherd had no choice but to look on as the horse finished second behind City Of Troy.

Royal Ascot 2024 – Day Five – Ascot Racecourse
Isle Of Jura crossing the line (David Davies/PA)

The rider remained dignified in the aftermath as others expressed indignation on his behalf, and clearly redirected his focus on the next big meeting when heading to Royal Ascot with rides on each day.

Isle Of Jura, though 16-1 for the Group Two Hardwick Stakes, must have been the most anticipated among them after his two Listed successes this year and after a smooth passage though the race, he strode to a brilliant three-and-a-quarter-length victory under an emotional and reflective Shepherd.

“I couldn’t be more grateful to the horse and his connections, we’ve been on a great journey,” he said.

“George has shown me such loyal support and this horse has been a revelation, he’s just stepped up and he’s been fantastic.

Royal Ascot 2024 – Day Five – Ascot Racecourse
Isle Of Jura winning the eighth race of his career (David Davies/PA)

“That was something. It hasn’t hit me yet, you’re so desperate for it to happen.”

Referencing the disappointment of losing his Derby ride, the jockey added: “With a backdrop of what has been a productive six or nine months, through the winter into this year, everything was going pretty swimmingly.

“Then it’s well documented what happened and it’s tough, obviously it’s tough, losing your seat on a horse and a very good one at that. That’s tough.

“It just makes you hungry to go out and do it on the rides that you do keep. I would’ve hated the narrative of my year to be getting jocked off a horse.

“It needed to be about the horses I was riding and this is a very special horse.

Royal Ascot 2024 – Day Five – Ascot Racecourse
Isle Of Jura en route to victory (David Davies/PA)

“He’s a wonderful horse and he just has that innate desire to win. It was an amazing performance and he was just very, very good.

“The natural step is Group Ones now, he’s earned his place in them. He keeps improving, he hasn’t let us down yet and I’m proud of what he’s achieved so far.”

With his voice faltering slightly Shepherd also mentioned the death of his friend and fellow rider Stefano Cherchi, who lost his life after a fall aged just 23 and whose fate has provided a poignant point of perspective for his own troubles.

He said: “We give life and soul to get everything we can out of the sport, my friend Stefano Cherchi quite literally gave his life.

“How silly would it be if I’m moaning and sulking because I’m not riding a horse when you consider what his family have had to go through?

“We put everything into this sport to get the most out of it and I’m lucky to be doing what I’m doing, I’m lucky to be riding this horse.

“That was an amazing moment and it meant a lot to a lot of people, that’s what you do it for and it just felt amazing.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Haatem enjoys his moment in the spotlight at Royal Ascot

/in /by

Haatem enjoyed a deserved day in the sun after clinging on grimly to claim a thrilling renewal of the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Winner of the Craven Stakes in April, Richard Hannon’s three-year-old returned to Newmarket to finish third in the 2000 Guineas before finding only his esteemed stablemate Rosallion too strong in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh three weeks later.

With Rosallion having given the form a major boost by landing the St James’s Palace Stakes on Tuesday, Haatem was given his opportunity to shine on the final day of the Royal meeting, carrying the colours of Wathnan Racing for the first time in the hands of James Doyle.

With 13-8 favourite River Tiber finding disappointingly little when push came to shove, Haatem (7-2) moved nicely to the front and looked set to win handsomely after taking a couple of lengths out of the field.

However, the Harry Charlton-trained Kikkuli – half-brother to the mighty Frankel by top sire Kingman – really found his feet late on and the pair passed the post almost as one.

Following a brief wait, the judge confirmed Haatem had held on by a short head, with the Johnny Murtagh-trained Chicago Critic (80-1) in third.

Richard Hannon gets his trophy off, Henry Winkler, best known for playing The Fonz in Happy Days
Richard Hannon gets his trophy off, Henry Winkler, best known for playing The Fonz in Happy Days (David Davies/PA)

“He’s deserved this. It’s a Group Three, but it’s not, it’s Royal Ascot,” said Hannon.

“He carried a penalty, he got there very easy and he deserved his day in the sun. Hopefully he’ll have plenty more.

“It was a very deep race, there were 20 runners and it was not your normal Jersey.

“It’s great for Wathnan, they bought a lot of horses and it was so important they had success and they’ve earned it.

“There are so many options for him, we’ll travel a bit, there’s a lot of races for him in Australia, France and America, but he’ll go back over a mile, it was a bit of a risk going back down to seven.

“In fairness both James Doyle and Jamie Spencer who have ridden him recently said he’d have no problem dropping down to seven and they were right.

“I don’t think there’s any need for him to take on Rosallion again. I wouldn’t enjoy watching that. I didn’t mind watching the Irish Guineas back afterwards, but it’s not enjoyable at the time.

“He’s a horse that deserves everything he gets. He cost just £27,000, and that says a lot about our sport, a lot of it good. He’s here taking part with a penalty at the top level. It shows it’s possible, which you can’t say about many sports.”

Of Kikkuli, Charlton said: “We’re delighted with him. Oisin (Murphy) said it was a bit of a head up, head down – he rode him to follow Haatem, and James Doyle on a miler started stretching two down. Oisin said he’s run great. It’s a shame to be second twice (after King’s Gambit earlier in the week), but we won’t take anything away from the horse, he’s run great against a hardened Group One horse who’s had a lot more experience than him.

“Barry (Mahon, of Juddmonte) texted me this morning and said, ‘He’s 25-1’, and I said, ‘Well, Karl Burke’s horse that was 5-1 for the Guineas (Night Raider) is bigger than us – it’s a proper race and a there are a lot of 110-plus horses’, and he’s run outstandingly, really.

“Oisin said seven or eight furlongs. I think actually what looked key there was having pace. He travelled probably the best of them; he enjoyed the pace and the quick ground.

“I watched them down at the start and he was probably the one horse not sweating. He’s from an exuberant family, and by Kingman, and this lad is absolutely bombproof.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns