It was another great opening effort of the season by one of our star performers at the weekend, with a Group 3 second place for Washington Heights.
The five-year-old, who won Newmarket’s Group 3 Abernant Stakes last April before running with credit in a series of Group 1 contests, was making his first start outside Europe in Qatar on Sunday, where he was one of a number of foreign challengers at the Amir Sword Festival.
Contesting the valuable Dukhan Sprint, Washington looked a picture beforehand, as those owners who had made the journey over to support him could testify.
He and regular partner Tom Eaves looked in great condition moving to post and when the stalls opened Washington proved he’s still going to be a force in top sprints this season.
Soon well placed tracking the pace, Tom bided his time before making his move and kicking on from those that had led the field.
Leading inside the final furlong, Washington kept on to the line to finish a good runner-up to new Hambleton trainer Tom Clover’s Rogue Lightning in an exciting finish.
With the first two home costing just £30,000 and £24,000 respectively, the result provided a reminder that Tom Clover and Kevin Ryan don’t need to break the bank to secure quality horses for their owners.
Kevin was delighted with this Group 3 second for Washington, as were his owners, for whom Washington Heights was pocketing the best part of £70,000 in this valuable contest.
After flying back to Britain on Tuesday, we’re pleased to say the hero of the hour is now safely back at Hambleton Lodge ahead of what promises to be another very exciting campaign for this quality horse and his horse racing syndicate.
