Hawkbill Leads Home A Godolphin Tercentenary One/Two

Hawkbill beat another Godolphin contender Prize Money as they dominated the finish of the G3 Tercentenary Stakes over a mile and a quarter on the third day of Royal Ascot, Thursday, June 16.

Prize Money kicked for home in the straight and led passing the two-furlong pole but he was headed by Hawkbill who stayed on powerfully to go clear inside the final furlong and was always holding the renewed effort of the runner-up.

The three-year-old colt, who has now won his last five races, prevailed by a length and a quarter in 2m 9.59s on soft ground, with a further two and three-quarter lengths back to Long Island Sound in third.

Hawkbill was the fourth Godolphin winner of Royal Ascot 2016.

Charlie Appleby was thrilled with the performance of Hawkbill, who gave the trainer his second Royal Ascot success.

The trainer said: "I was delighted with that.

"He's shown there what he shows us at home. He's a great traveller and sees it out as well. I wasn't worried about the ground as the guys at home didn't think it would be a problem.

"I told William to ride him like he was the best horse in the race and that's what he has done.

"Turning for home, I know they were travelling well behind us but we were travelling supremely well there up with the pace and I knew that he'd gallop all the way to the line - he showed that when winning at Newmarket.

"It's a pleasing effort and I'm delighted to finally get a winner on the board this week.

"Full credit to the team at home, his groom and work rider Shane Fetherstonhaugh has done a great job and everyone has done their bit.

"I have to give Shane and everyone a lot of credit for keeping Hawkbill quiet. The horse has done a lot of travelling for his age. We took him to America because we felt mentally he could not take the travelling in Europe but we didn't get a run over there.

"We took him to Dubai and he just strengthened and developed throughout the winter. He enjoyed his track work but we did not know what level of horse we were dealing with until we took him to race at Newmarket.

"We'll get back, regroup and see where we go from here. He's not a horse that I'd want to go to the well too often with. He has got a nice future ahead of him."

William Buick secured his 16th Royal Ascot winner and second victory of the week on Hawkbill.

The jockey said: "Hawkbill has done it really well. He is a nice horse who won very well today.

"James (Doyle) and I pulled well clear. I've always thought a lot of my fellow.

"Hawkbill is a horse that stays a mile and a half hopefully so there are plenty of options open for him. We don't think this horse has fulfilled his potential yet and we think a lot of him.

"Hopefully, Godolphin can continue in this rich vein of form - it is going pretty well. There is such a big team behind it.

John Ferguson, Godolphin's Chief Executive and Racing Manager, commented: "We are delighted with Prize Money's run.

"I would say a step-up in trip is likely. It was natural to come here for the Tercentenary after the way he ran at Goodwood (in a Listed 11-furlong race) where he had to make the running. He just got collared in the last furlong.

"He is big and strong and could be a lovely horse next year as well."

Saeed bin Suroor declared: "I think the winner was the best horse on the day and I think Prize Money will be a better horse over a mile and a half. We will have to see how the horse comes out of the race before we decide where to go next."

James Doyle added: "Prize Money has taken another step forward. We got a nice tow from the pacemaker but we just hit a flat spot when I needed him to quicken.

"He stayed at it well though and I think a mile and a half will be his trip."