TATTERSALLS GOLD

CUP (GROUP 1)

TWO years after he first burst on the Group 1 scene, the remarkable Al Kazeem showed that the ability which made him such a potent force at the top level in 2013 is, remarkably, still intact as he recaptured the Tattersalls Gold Cup for Roger Charlton and James Doyle.

A defeat of Camelot in this race two years was the springboard to a hat-trick of Group 1 victories for Al Kazeem but it was anyone’s guess as to how much ability he retained following an abortive period at stud last year.

The record of horses returning from stallion duties is patchy to say the very least and for this seven-year-old to have returned to this level of form represents an achievement of the highest standing.

After starting his season with two good displays in France, Al Kazeem (3/1) returned to Ireland for a strong renewal of this race with compatriots The Grey Gatsby and Postponed both lying in wait.

The field was further bolstered by the presence of Fascinating Rock and Parish Hall and a quality effort was going to be required to carry the day here. Ultimately it was the resurgent Al Kazeem who answered the call to enhance Roger Charlton’s already outstanding record with his runners in this country.

The victory wasn’t without its anxious moments though as Al Kazeem found himself stuck in a pocket a quarter of a mile from home as he looked to come between the front running Postponed and The Grey Gatsby.

The latter began to falter nearing the last furlong which gave James Doyle the opportunity he needed to extricate his mount and deliver his challenge.

Al Kazeem then forced his way past Postponed heading into the final 150 yards and he held on well from Fascinating Rock who turned in a career best to get to within a neck at the line.

There was a further short-head back to Postponed with The Grey Gatsby a somewhat disappointing fourth. This was Doyle’s third consecutive win in the race as he also partnered Noble Mission to victory 12 months ago.

“He’s amazing. He’s just a class horse and he’s got everything that you want a good horse to have,” said Charlton. “James said he felt better than ever today and I can’t believe that a horse who has been to stud has come back to the track and been able to show his very best form and it’s certainly one of my proudest moments.”

“I’m just very lucky to have him. He could have gone to Australia as a three-year-old and he should now be at stud, which is a sadness for all involved, but we’ll keep him going as long as he enjoys his racing and some day I’m sure he will go back to (owner John Deer’s) Oak Grove Stud and cover mares.”

“Since he has come back he has helped every step of the way and has never looked at another filly and he never does anything other than what you want. I suppose we will look at Ascot now and, as he’s just won a Group 1, the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes would look a more logical target than the Hardwicke Stakes.”

Of the runner-up Dermot Weld stated: “I’m delighted with him. He’s run the race of his life to be beaten a neck in a Group 1 and with a little more ease in the ground I think he may have won. I’ll keep an open mind on where he goes next.”