French Duke secured his first victory for Roger Varian and Wathnan Racing in the Coral Daily Rewards Shaker Handicap at Goodwood.
The Sea The Stars colt, who was last seen finishing sixth in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot, made his return with a hood for the first time. Under James Doyle, Wathnan’s retained rider, the three-year-old was the 16-5 favourite in a field of ten, aiming to shed his maiden status and start a successful meeting for his prominent owners.
From stall seven, the French Duke navigated through the race and engaged in a battle with John and Thady Gosden’s Lord Of Love in the final furlong, emerging victorious by a neck.
Varian noted that French Duke is still learning and remains somewhat raw and immature. After his ineffective performance at Ascot, it was crucial to see him finish strongly today.
Although he was further back than James Doyle would have preferred, the horse displayed significant toughness, making this performance an improvement. While French Duke is not yet the finished article, his ability to tough it out was encouraging.
Varian observed that at Ascot, French Duke ran a great race but moved too early. It was important for him to finish strongly in this race.
In the British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Handicap, Al Anoud delivered a strong performance for her connections. Trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Hector Crouch, the filly had previously won twice as a three-year-old, but had not yet claimed victory this season.
As a 7-2 chance on the Downs, she rectified that by winning by a head from the 9-4 favourite, Power Of Destiny, despite carrying significantly more weight.