2012 York Stakes

racing_news/

Mukhadram Battles to York Stakes Win
27/07/13

1 Mukhadram 4/9F
2 Grandeur 6/1
3 Wigmore Hall 20/1
6 ran Distances: ¾l, 4l, nk
TIME 2m 7.18s (fast by 0.32s)

Mukhadram was all out to justify odds of 4-9 and gain a well-deserved success in the Sky Bet York Stakes.

Mukhadram
© Racehorse Photos

The William Haggas-trained four-year-old led from the start for Paul Hanagan, but was made to work hard as Grandeur laid down a strong bid in the final quarter of a mile.

Mukhadram landed his second victory of the season to book a possible place in the Juddmonte International back at York next month, and the three-quarters-of-a-length victory rewarded owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's retained jockey Hanagan, who chose to ride Mukhadram on the Knavesmire instead of going to Ascot for Ektihaam in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Hanagan said: "It (York) is a long way to be in front for horses, and that's what makes me more proud of him.

"I struggled to get him on the right leg as his last runs have been the other way round. I didn't have to throw the kitchen sink at him. He doesn't have to lead - he's very straightforward."

Haggas said: "I think I had him a bit fresh. He was a bit on it today. I hoped he might be a bit more convincing than that, but it's a Group Two win and you don't win them every day, so we're happy.

"He came here having had two tough runs and it was time he won a Group Two or a Group One. It's a step in the right direction.

"I couldn't watch the race, I just listened to it. I don't normally get nervous, but I don't like those ones when you are supposed to win. I'd rather have one I think will win by nobody else does.

"He's a beautiful horse and we'll see where we go from here."

Asked whether the Juddmonte International could be on the agenda, the Newmarket trainer said: "It is certainly a possibility."

Sky Bet York Stakes
£100,000 added, 3yo plus, 1m 2f 88y, Class 1
6 ran
Going: Good to Firm