Royal Ascot 2019: Defoe hits back of the net in Hardwicke Stakes
IT wasn’t a penalty kick by any means, but Defoe (11-4f) did enough to score in style in the Hardwicke Stakes. Andrea Atzeni brought his flying grey with a perfectly-timed challenge to see off outsider Nagano Gold (25-1). Punters were smiling again as Roger Varian’s superstar followed up his Coronation Cup win with a similarly authoritative […]
IT wasn’t a penalty kick by any means, but Defoe (11-4f) did enough to score in style in the Hardwicke Stakes.
Andrea Atzeni brought his flying grey with a perfectly-timed challenge to see off outsider Nagano Gold (25-1).
Punters were smiling again as Roger Varian’s superstar followed up his Coronation Cup win with a similarly authoritative performance in the Group 2 contest.
Held up in midfield, he took some time to get going but when he did his burst of speed was far too much for his rivals.
Last year’s Derby winner Masar never looked that happy and it was left to Nagano Gold and Mirage Dancer (6-1) to battle out the places, with the Czech contender getting the better of the argument.
Winning jockey Andrea Atzeni said: “It’s great. It’s been a long and tough week.
“As always, it’s very hard to get winners here.
“To win races like this you need good rides and this one is very straightforward.
“He’s improved and it’s great for the owner, who’s here today.”
Trainer Roger Varian said: “He’s getting better with age and i’m delighted for his owner and for Andrea.
“It’s a great win. He’s everyone’s favourite horse.”