What an incredible result. Glen Shiel wins the Champions Sprint at Ascot for Hambleton Racing, Archie Watson and Hollie Doyle.
The win provides all three of us with our first Group 1 winner, and with a horse purchased for just £45,000!
Having come into the race of an excellent effort when runner-up in the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock, Glen Shiel built on that effort to continue his hugely progressive and successful season under Archie Watson’s guidance.
Hollie Doyle Guides Glen Shiel to Group 1 Triumph
The tough as teak chestnut has been a most willing partner for Hollie Doyle throughout the season and had to show all that tenacity and will to win to deny Brando in the closing stages of the big Group 1 prize, battling on bravely after making most of the running, as the race replay so clearly shows.
Moments like this capture the true spirit of syndicate ownership, helping our owners forge memories that last a lifetime — and showing why so many existing and new owners choose to buy racehorse shares with Hambleton Racing.
Why Glen Shiel’s Ascot Win Matters for Syndicate Owners
Reflecting on the win, Hambleton’s Director Of Racing Simon Turner said “Saturday was a massive moment for us.”
“Our blueprint has always been to buy in the more affordable area of the market with top trainers and try and compete at the highest level possible.
“At £45,000, Glen would be one of our more expensive purchases – but he seemed ridiculous value at that level. He’s been a revelation since dropped back to sprinting, and has been superbly handled by Archie Watson, who is destined for the very top of his profession in my opinion.
“Archie’s numbers are simply superb. Some have him pigeon-holed as two-year-old trainer, but there are countless examples of Archie achieving superb results with cast-offs from other yards too, many of them cheaply acquired.
Long-term ally Kevin shows incredible sportsmanship
“On a personal level, to win a race at the highest level with Hambleton Racing makes me very proud. We owe much of our success to Kevin Ryan, who has always looked after us exceptionally well and has provided us with any number of good horses along the way.
“I regard Kevin as a good friend, and it was no surprise he was the first on the phone on Saturday to congratulate me, despite the fact he’d just missed out with Brando. That’s the mark of the guy – he’s not just a just an outstanding trainer, but a true sportsman too.”
Turner added: “Owning with us isn’t cheap – typically an owner will spend between £2-5,000 on their share and another £3,000 on the annual costs.
“We’d be among the more expensive syndicates but operate with some old-fashioned values. We certainly don’t penalise owners when their horses do well, so won’t be taking a penny of the £275,000 that Glen Shiel has won for his owners this year.
“We’re very proud of the fact many owners have been with us for over 10 years, which must mean we’re doing something right.
“I don’t think we’ll suddenly change our approach and start spending twice as much at the sales now. We’ll continue to seek out the best value we can at the sales. Thankfully, there seems to be a lot of value around at the moment.”
Archie Reflects on a Breakthrough Success
While most of the publicity around Glen Shiel’s win concerned Doyle, given it was her first Group One win, the same also applied to Archie Watson – who was understandably delighted.
“I’m so proud of Glen Shiel, Hollie, and the whole team after the Champions Sprint,” said the Lambourn trainer.
“Hollie gave him a fantastic ride, and he was so tough. He hasn’t stopped improving all year, and to win a Group One is unbelievable.
“I am so pleased for Hambleton Racing, who are such huge supporters of ours, and for all his owners.”
A special moment for everyone and widely covered in the media with both the Racing Post and ITV Racing providing excellent coverage of Glen Shiel’s famous win in the Champions Sprint at Ascot.
