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Ghanaati Gallops Home in Coronation Stakes - 06-22-09
June 22 - Arguably the most famous horseracing venue in England, Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, Berkshire hosts Royal Ascot in June every year, the nation's premier flat horserace meeting, and this year's event has been no different, a highlight being a superb victory from Ghanaati in Friday's Coronation Stakes (Gr1).
Always contested on the 4th day of the 5-day Royal Ascot meeting, this year's 250,000 pound Coronation Stakes (Gr 1) attracted a formidable field of three-year-old fillies, including Ghanaati, who is trained by Barry Hills. After her notable win in last May's 1,000 Guineas, she went into the Coronation the 2-1 favorite.
And from the start of the 1 mile turf race, it soon became apparent exactly why Ghanaati was the favorite, as she proceeded to dominate the rest of the field right up until she rocketed over the line in first place. In fact, she was so quick with Richard Hills aboard, that she broke the course record, winning in a time of 1:38.32.
Ghanaati was at least two lengths clear when Reggane - ridden very well on the day by Gerald Mosse - crossed the line in second followed by Rainbow View in third. But by then all eyes at Ascot were firmly focused on Ghanaati who, surprisingly perhaps, went into last month's 1,000 Guineas as a 33-1 longshot.
But what makes Ghanaati victory in the 2009 Coronation Stakes so impressive is the fact that she so easily managed to dispatch some tough runners. For instance, she went up against and trounced both Elusive Wave, who won this year's Irish 1000 Guineas, and Again, who triumphed in the 2009 French 1000 Guineas.
Thrilled at the result was the filly's jockey and brother to her trainer. 'There are only two women in my life, my wife and this filly,' said Richard Hills in the winner's circle. 'Ghanaati is aptly-named because in Arabic her name means 'My Love' and she's certainly that today.' It was the rider's second win of the day.
He notched up his first win in race 1, the 70,000 pound Albany Stakes (Gr 3), aboard Habaayib for trainer Ed Dunlop, where he came off the pace to thunder home first. Chachamaidee set an early pace alongside U.S. challenger Aegean, but when both began to fade, Habaayib took up the slack and didn't stop.
Other Articles:
Zenyatta Favorite for 2009 Vanity Handicap - 06-25-09Winter Cup Could be Final Race for Prince Arthur - 06-24-09Foreign Races Added to 09 Breeders Cup Program - 06-24-092009 Royal Ascot a Resounding Success - 06-23-09Criticism Set for Victory in New York Stakes - 06-20-09Churchill Downs Sees the Night Light - 06-19-09Friday Betting Guide for Fairview Racing - 06-18-09Vision Could Come True in Prince of Wales Stakes - 06-17-09
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| | 2009/11/20 11:35:18 AM |
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