Hassaleh pulls clear of Thursday Girl in the final furlong
It might have been a small field with only 5 runners, but this year’s renewal of the Rossdales Maiden Fillies’ Stakes revealed another exciting filly for Godolphin, when race favourite Hassaleh won by three lengths under a strong ride from William Buick at Newmarket Racecourse on Thursday, 16 April.
The Night of Thunder filly, having only her second start after her debut in June last year, took a keen hold after the start. Leading from under 2f out, she went clear in the final furlong to stay on well from Thursday Girl.
Trainer Charlie Appleby said after the race: “We came here confident today that she was going to break her maiden. William says he wouldn’t want to put a level on her yet but she’s done nothing wrong – she’s learnt plenty today and stakes races might be something for the future to have a crack at. She shows a lot of natural pace at home and I think 7f will be her maximum for now.”
Tessa Montoya and Helen Gale present the groom of Eloquencia with the Best Turned Out prize
The weather gods were kind throughout the Craven Meeting and Rossdales Clinical Director Mike Shepherd made the presentation to winning connections in glorious sunshine, with Hugh Anderson, MD of Godolphin (UK and Dubai) representing the owner breeders.
Mike was accompanied by Newmarket practice secretary Tessa Montoya and marketing consultant Helen Gale, who awarded the Best Turned Out prize to the groom of Eloquencia.
Images courtesy of Newmarket Racecourses.
Main image: William Buick, Mike Shepherd, Tessa Montoya, Helen Gale, Charlie Appleby and Hugh Anderson