Archivist bounces back with Golden Mile strike

There was more success for owners Wathnan Racing at the Qatar Goodwood Festival as Archivist stormed home to strike in the valuable Coral Golden Mile.

Held in high-regard when previously trained by William Haggas, the four-year-old wintered well in Meydan for Hamad Al Jehani but was well held on his first start back in Britain as favourite in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot.

Sent off at 16-1, Archivist got a dream passage through for jockey Callum Rodriguez, who when asking his mount to quicken upon meeting daylight was greeted by a blistering turn of foot to secure the Qatar-based owners a fourth victory of the meeting.

The winning trainer said: “I knew that he would place very well and between my three runners I would have chosen him as the winner today.

“Callum gave him a great ride and I think was important as why we are the winner in the end.

“It’s really important for us to have a winner at the Qatar Goodwood Festival. We are very happy with the result, for sure.”

Wathan Racing’s Richard Brown added: “I actually watched the race with William Haggas (previous trainer).

“He’s part of the Wathnan team and was the first to congratulate us. Hamad took this horse to Dubai and did brilliantly with him there. Then to come and produce him to do this – this man is training to an exceptionally high level and it’s great for all of the team.

“It’s been a superb week. I spoke to Olly Tait  (Wathnan colleague) this morning and said it had been a good week, the only thing that it could turn into now is a great week. For Hamad to have a winner is a huge moment.”