THE success of Jasour (16-1) in the Group Two Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes (six furlongs) prompted scenes of elation in the winner’s enclosure on the July Course at Newmarket yesterday from his Bahraini-based owners Al Mohamediya Racing.
The two-year-old Havana Grey colt still had plenty to do approaching the final furlong but came with a powerful run under Jim Crowley and went on to win by an ultimately comfortable two-length success over Lake Forest (7-1).
Jasour has now won two of his three starts, having followed up his debut second at Salisbury in May with a victory over five furlongs at Nottingham last month.
Winning trainer Clive Cox said: “I’m really pleased. He always gave us a lot of promise and he felt at home that dropping him in behind was going to see a bigger improvement. He has just run in two races where nothing has been able to lead him early.
“Stepping up to six was a step into the unknown but I’m so pleased and happy. He is going the right way but these sort of occasions worry me. I’m so pleased for Shaikh Sultan as he is a big supporter. Following on from Golden Horde this is a real nice horse to have. He will go to the Richmond from here but he will have an entry in the Morny and we will see what is what.
“He has always promised to be a nice horse. He was second first time out after hitting the front at Salisbury, then won nicely at Nottingham.
“Stepping into the six was a step into the unknown and he had to really settle in a race of this class and it was magical to see him do that. I’m just so proud of him.
“Sadly, Shaikh Sultan missed Golden Horde winning at Royal Ascot so this is a nice one to witness in person so I’m pleased he is here today.”
The successful owner, Shaikh Sultan Al Din bin Mohammed bin Salman of Al Mohamediya Racing, commented: “We as a team are delighted. All of my horses are with Clive and he has been brilliant for Al Mohamediya racing.
“We knew that ours was good but the others were also good. Everything worked well and we are happy. I don’t mind missing Royal Ascot when the horse is ready he will come. There are plenty of races for him in the season.
“Clive is great for Al Mohamediya and he has done well for us and the family. We are delighted with him. It depends on Clive (as to if he is as good as Golden Horde). This a good horse and we will only know that answer later in the year.”
William Haggas, trainer of runner-up Lake Forest, said: “He was a little bit inexperienced and should come on again for that so I thought he ran a good race. We’ve got no plans for him just yet.”
Brian Meehan, who saddled the third-placed Toca Madera (40-1), said: “It was a lovely run. The six furlongs was the key to him today. We went to Ascot feeling reasonably confident but obviously he needed a little further. He’s a nice horse and we’re going to have a great summer with him.
“We’re keeping our options open. The Richmond Stakes (at Goodwood) is a race we’ve won a few times and he’s in the Gimcrack (at York) and the Prix Morny. There are lots of options for a top two-year-old over six furlongs.”
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