Haatem races towards victory.
Doha, Qatar: Runner-up of the Gr.1 Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on his previous run, the consistent colt Haatem (Phoenix Of Spain) landed the Gr.3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot on Saturday.
Carrying the colours of his new owner Wathnan Racing and trained by Richard Hannon, the three-year-old was carrying a three pounds penalty for winning the Gr.3 bet365 Craven Stakes on his first run this year.
Right behind the leaders, Haatem tracked his owner-companion Native American (Sioux Nation) in the 1400m contest.
The connections of Haatem celebrate their win.
Traveling well and given a confident ride by James Doyle, Haatem quickly got his head into the lead and held off, by a short head, the late challenge of Kikkuli (Kingman). Chicago Critic (Night Of Thunder) took third position.
“I won’t cry today,” said the winning trainer after the race. “I never known a horse who get so much love from a lot of people. He deserves this. He carried a penalty and he got there very easy. He deserves that and hopefully he will have plenty more hope.” It was Wathnan Racing’s fourth victory at Royal Ascot.
Bred by Hyde Park Stud, Haatem is out of Hard Walnut (Cape Cross), who is a half-sister to Listed placed Born To Be Alive (Born To Sea), and Gr.3 placed Father Frost (Rip Van Winkle).
