 |
 |
|
|
|
racing news |
| Tweet |
racing news /
Rex Impresses Despite York Defeat
27/08/13
William Haggas’ Rex Imperator managed to enhance his growing reputation among racing fans despite losing out to Sirius Prospect in a dramatic renewal of the listed Betfred City of York Stakes on the final day of the Ebor Festival at York.
 |
On rain-soaked ground that saw the field reduced to just six runners, Fort Bastion managed to unseat Tony Hamilton as they left the stalls but went on to play a significant role in the contest, twice running across the field including in the closing stages.
Rex Imperator, tremendously impressive when bolting up in the ultra-competitive Stewards Cup at Glorious Goodwood, is not a horse who would obviously be suited by the change in the ground, so it was to the credit of connections that they let him take his chance.
For much of the journey, it looked as though Neil Callan’s mount would take some stopping as he bowled along at the head of affairs, but Sirius Prospect came with a withering run on ground that played to his strengths and managed to battle home to a neck victory.
Back at six furlongs in a strongly run Ayr Gold Cup at the Scottish circuit in September, Rex Imperator would appear to have plenty going for him if he gets a decent surface. Haggas appears to be seriously considering letting the four-year-old take his chance in the famous cavalry charge that is often won by a horse, like Rex Imperator, bordering on group class.
The son of Royal Applause started off his career under the guidance of Roger Charlton and proved himself a useful juvenile before joining Haggas, (via one run for Dandy Nicholls), and appears to have been improved of late for the application of cheek-pieces which he wore at Goodwood and again at York.
