Symbol Of Honour salutes in Carnarvon Stakes

Symbol Of Honour relished a return to six furlongs as he posted an emphatic victory in the Listed Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury, UK, on Saturday, 17 May.

The Charlie Appleby-trained three-year-old had won over the same trip on both his Meydan appearances over the winter prior to finishing down the field in the seven-furlong Listed King Charles II Stakes at Newmarket’s Guineas festival.

Settled behind the leaders by William Buick, Symbol Of Honour made smooth headway approaching the final two furlongs and found plenty after hitting the front shortly after.

Symbol Of Honour readily opened up daylight over his nine rivals, hitting the line a length and three quarters clear of Ides Of March.

Charlie Appleby said: “William was adamant after Newmarket that coming back to six furlongs was the way forward. Symbol Of Honour put up two good efforts over this trip at Meydan and conditions here looked there to suit him, with the flat track and quick ground.

“Unfortunately, he is not eligible for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot as he is a gelding. We will regroup and come up with a plan, but it’s nice to see him back in the winner’s enclosure.”

William Buick added: “I was very happy with Symbol Of Honour. He was always going to improve for his Newmarket run and is probably at his best over a flat six furlongs on fast ground. He is a very useful horse – I ended up getting in front too soon as he likes to travel and pass horses.”