THE Lincoln victory of Haqeeqy (97) was made more poignant, as the four-year-old carried the colours of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum’s daughter Hissa, just days after the passing of her father, widely acknowledged as one of the sport’s most famous owner breeders.

The victory also represented a fairy tale beginning on turf for his jockey, Benoit De La Sayette who was enjoying his first ever ride on turf following his successes on the all-weather.

On leaving the stalls most jockeys were keen to gain a position as close to the stands’ side rail as possible, however Sayette was content to take a position in midfield, as favourite Eastern World took the field along.

On passing the two furlong pole, the talented rookie rider asked his mount to embark on his run. In manoeuvring to the outside, he moved quickly on to the heels of the placed horses Brunch (95) and Hortzadar (95) before quickening clear to win by a comfortable length and a half.

In covering the final three furlongs in 36.1 seconds, the son of Lope De Vega was comparable with listed race winner Top Rank (35.7 secs), a figure which illustrates that a step up in grade will be well within his compass.

Orbaan emerged best of those held up and, although David O’Meara’s gelding never looked likely to get involved in the finish, he may well step forward next time out. The six-year-old has undergone wind surgery since he was last seen in October and is at his best on ground with some ease, while his best UK performance was achieved at York.

At Kempton, Global Giant (100) proved his running in Mishriff’s Saudi Cup all wrong and, in doing so, enhanced his excellent all-weather record. However, the race to focus on is the 0-105 handicap won by Great Ambassador (100).

Making his debut for Ed Walker following a 171-day absence, the four-year-old attracted plenty of support in the market suggesting a big performance was in the offing.

The imposing chesnut was away from the stalls well with Luke Morris happy to take a midfield sit as May Sonic employed his customary early speed to get to the lead.

At the intersection of the courses, with around two furlongs to run, Morris sensed his opportunity asking his mount to quicken and settle the race - he did not disappoint.

The closing sectionals for Great Ambassador over the final three furlongs read 33.99 and were the best on the card so it was no surprise they led to a comfortable two-and-a-half-length victory.

It may be that this son of Exceed And Excel is best suited to the all-weather as this was a clear career best, however his new connections also have one eye on the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot in June.

Most of the four-year-old’s previous efforts had come over in excess of Saturday’s six-furlong trip, but the rigours of a strongly run Wokingham would play to his strengths perfectly.