What a perfect way to start the week with MOTAKHAYYEL winning the Buckingham Palace Handicap under Jim Crowley for owner Mr Hamdan Al Maktoum.
He is an extremely smart colt with plenty of ability who was lightly raced as a three year old, winning two of his four starts. He strengthened up well over the winter and his work at home has been exceptional so we were hopeful of a bold show and we were not dissapointed. Jim Crowley reported that he was just behind the bridle through the first few furlongs, having stepped down in trip from one mile, but the further they went the better he travelled. He picked up well when asked to take up the running inside the final furlong to go and win comfortably by 1 1/4 lengths.
It might be racing behind closed doors without all the glitz and glamour, but whichever way you look at it, a Royal Ascot winner is a very special moment and it is what we all work so hard for. It's a great boost for the whole team and we can all relax and enjoy the rest of the week now! We have some exciting horses due to run in the next few days so fingers crossed we can pick up a few more.