30 Abr. GB. Woodcote Stud Sagaro S. G3. Ascot. 16f. Turf. 50.000 £
1.- SHIPMASTER (R.Hugues)
2.- PEPPERTREE LANE (J.Fortune)
3.- DISTINCTION (R.Moore)


Shipmaster, under Richard Hughes for Alan King, was an immensely game winner of the Woodcote Stud Sagaro Stakes on Wednesday at 4-1.

The five-year-old was headed by 7-2 chance Peppertree Lane, who looked almost certain to win when hitting the front over a furlong out under Jimmy Fortune.

However, Mark Johnson’s well-backed charge had to deal with an impressive rally from Hughes’ mount, who won by a decisive enough short head.

Johnson’s other horse in the race - Soapy Danger - drifted alarmingly in the ring and ran moderately after setting the pace, eventually weakening tamely up the straight.

Distinction, the 5-2 favourite, was held up by Ryan Moore. He made fairly promising headway coming into the straight, but was soundly outpaced thereafter.

“It’s a great thrill - I really enjoyed that. The weather came right for us today,” King told At The Races.

“It was touch and go if we’d ever race him again after he jarred his legs on fast ground.

“Ground is key to him. If it’s on the soft side, we’ll look at the Chester Cup.

“It was a great ride by Hughsie.”