Mohammad begins with victory in Ascot
Godolphin’s phenomenal season continues to get better and better.
Just two weeks after winning a first English Derby in their royal blue colours at Epsom Racecourse in the UK, the Dubai-owned stable pulled off another storming victory in the King’s Stand Stakes (Group 1), a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ race on day two at Royal Ascot.
Thousands of racegoers that descended on the famous Berkshire track were treated to some exciting races on a glittering opening day, but perhaps none more than the five-furlong sprinter featuring two horses with Dubai connections.
Blue Point compensates
Blue Point, a horse who was cruelly denied a chance to shine at Meydan Racecourse during the Dubai World Cup, when he was withdrawn on veterinary advice, duly compensated when delivering a dominating offensive to deny the big favourite Battaash.
Ridden by two-time British champion jockey Jim Crowley, Battaash was bidding to give owner Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, a second success in the £500,000 (Dh2.4 million) after Dayjur in 1990.
All eyes were on defending champion Lady Aurelia, who was bidding for a third Royal Ascot victory overall, but it was not to be as Blue Point and Battaash outshone an ultracompetitive field to finish onetwo. Battaash was lightning fast out of the stalls once the gates opened and grabbed the early lead. However, it was Blue Point, ridden by Derby winning jockey William Buick for trainer Charlie Appleby, who looked ominous as the line approached.
As Battaash failed to find more for Crowley, Blue Point began to close the gap and finish 1¾ in front at the finish, with Mabs Cross taking third.
Speaking to ITV Racing His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who founded the Godolphin stable in 1992, said: “After winning the Epsom Derby we just wanted to just relax and enjoy the racing at Royal Ascot, cheer for all the winners.
“But we have some nice ammunition for the week as well.”
Commenting on the winning alliance Appleby and Buick have forged, Shaikh Mohammad said: “We’ve known Charlie for a long time and he knows what we want. William is a very good jockey. We’ve very happy with the results they have achieved.”
Meanwhile, John Gosden’s Without Parole lived up to expectations to win the St James’s Palace Stakes, while Accidental Agent was shock winner of the Queen Anne Stakes.
Blue Point, a horse who was denied a chance to shine at Meydan during the Dubai World Cup, compensated when delivering a dominating offensive to deny the big favourite Battaash.