Jersey Stakes

(Group 3)

AFTER a series of setbacks on the opening day, the bookmakers hit back on Wednesday as 15/8 favourite Ivawood finished well back in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes.

Victory went to Charlie Hills’ 14/1 shot Dutch Connection with Fadhayyil, trained by his father Barry, beaten only half a length. Bossy Guest and Tupi came next.

If the old adage about horses not being machines required further evidence it was readily available here because Dutch Connection and Bossy Guest had finished behind Ivawood in the Newmarket 2000 Guineas, though the latter only marginally so.

Richard Hannon’s horse, third again in the Curragh version, was squeezed soon after half-way here but the race was already developing without him.

A powerful son of Dutch Art, Dutch Connection was switched left by Jim Crowley and went for home fully two furlongs out. He might have won tidily but Fadhayyil found plenty for pressure and closed all the way to the line as Bossy Guest also kept on towards the far side.

“The horses weren’t quite right when he finished seventh in the Guineas but he travelled so well in that race and was almost the last off the bridle, along with Gleneagles,” Charlie Hills said.

“It’s a big shame in other respects because this is the last year Dad is training and it would have meant a lot to him to have a winner here. He has been such a massive help to all of us but he’ll have his day again.”

Barry Hills, veteran of 25 successes at the royal meeting, came back into training when eldest son John died tragically early. Fadhayyil, never a threat when fifth in the in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, ran a cracking race against the colts and delighted her trainer.

“If I couldn’t win the race I’m pleased Charles did. It’s better than finishing second and third!” he said.

Dutch Connection looks better at seven furlongs than a mile and the Prix de la Foret may well be a better bet than the Sussex Stakes.

Royal Hunt Cup

A 30-runner handicap down the Ascot straight theoretically takes plenty of solving. Then again, John Gosden has been in form all season, Roger Charlton is not far behind, Ryan Moore is more or less unstoppable and James Doyle had already ridden a winner during the afternoon.

So, Gosden’s GM Hopkins, 8/1, ridden by the former champion, scored by a neck from Charlton’s Temptress at 9/1. The result made plenty of people happy, including forecast backers; they were certainly happier than supporters of Luca Cumani’s 7/1 favourite Ayaar, who faded inside the final furlong as Chil The Kite, second last year, stayed on strongly into third and Balty Boys made fourth.

The pace was among the low numbers on the far side, where Moore rode a patient race but hit the front before the furlong marker. Doyle and Temptress followed him through and joined issue but GM Hopkins held on gamely.

There was a nasty incident when Spark Plug, too good for the winner at Newbury last time, clipped heels and gave Jimmy Fortune a heavy fall in the final furlong, though thankfully horse and jockey escaped serious injury.

“Ryan rode a beautiful race and it’s a big moment to win the Royal Hunt Cup. We’ll probably go to France for a listed race,” Gosden said.

Brian Ellison felt that Balty Boys, who went clear on his side, might well have won on the opposite wing.