MOHAATHER announced himself as King of the milers in a sizzling Sussex Stakes.
Billed as ‘the race of the season’, it lived up to the hype and provided an emotional victory for trainer Marcus Tregoning for so long in the shadows.
Mohaather’s talent has always been clear to see, but given an injury free streak for the first time in his career, he shot down the outside after running up a cul-de-sac for much of the straight, and showed the world what Tregoning has always known.
Jockey Jim Crowley punched the air as he passed the line with what would have been a sense of a relief as much as one of joy.
It was a first Group 1 win for Tregoning since Sir Percy triumphed in the 2007 Derby. It’s been a long time between drinks for the Whitsbury handler, and you can imagine the champagne will taste even sweeter this time around.
The race itself had everything. Both Siskin and Mohaather were happy to sit and wait as Circus Maximus and Vatican City took the field along.
Oisin Murphy was luckless on the rail on Guineas winner Kameko. How close he would have gone is guesswork, but that’s Goodwood.
Ryan Moore attempted to up the stakes a couple of furlongs from home and San Donato and Vatican City were first to drop away.
All the stars were aligned. Siskin and Mohaather were finally in the clear, and despite giving away 8lbs to the three-year-olds, Mohaather stamped his class on the field and streaked clear.
More to follow…
