Elhamri shows right attitude to defy statistics and going fears
Published: 23/07/2006 (Sport) Jon Lees reports
THE winner wasn't trained by Richard Hannon, but the Weatherbys Super Sprint at least stayed in the family when son-in-law Sylvester Kirk produced one of the race's more improbable victories.
On the weight of the statistical evidence, Royal Ascot winner Elhamri was at a disadvantage because of his middle draw, top weight of 9st 4lb and sex in an event traditionally dominated by fillies.
An additional factor was brought into play when a heavy downpour before racing interrupted the heatwave and altered the going from the fast surface Elhamri was proven on, to ground on the soft side of good.
Elhamri, a first ride at Newbury for leading Irish jockey Declan McDonogh, proved equal to all the challenges, leading from the start up the middle of the course and repelling the sustained effort of We'll Confer through the last two furlongs.
In winning by a length from 100-1 shot Ishi Adiva, who pipped We'll Confer by a head for second, the colt produced the best weight-carrying performance in the race's history. The Hannon first string, Gilded, was sixth.
Kirk said: "I was so depressed about the weather that I sat in the car park for an hour deliberating whether to run at all. I was ready to throttle somebody, looking to blame them for the rain. The rain usually lies towards the middle of the track and that, plus the weight and the fact he had run so badly on soft ground at Goodwood, worried me.
"Luckily we decided to take our chance and there seemed no point in going any way other than up the middle. We would have lost nothing by being second here but he has produced a nice performance to win. The 5lb penalty makes it a bit more impressive.
"He surprised me because I thought he'd been collared when We'll Confer came at him, but it was like he almost switched up another gear. He's so tough."
McDonogh has travelled over from Ireland to partner Elhamri each time the colt has run for owner Norman Ormiston.
"This horse has a great attitude," the rider said. "It took him half a furlong to find an action. He was rocking and rolling a bit on the top, but when things get tough he loves it."
Kirk had considered missing this race to wait for the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood, and though that remains an option, a run in the Group 1 Prix Morny at Deauville has become a more serious alternative.
"I've stuck him in there and it could be worth a run," he said. "He's a strong little horse and a January foal, so you have to kick on while you can."