Haatem shines with back-to-back Royal Ascot victories

Haatem opened notched his second victory at Royal Ascot with a determined display in the Wolferton Stakes.

Placed in the English and Irish Guineas last season, Richard Hannon’s charge won the Jersey Stakes at this meeting 12 months ago, but was not seen in competitive action again until April.

Having finished fifth on his Sandown comeback and then fourth in a Listed event in France, Haatem (8-1) stepped up to a mile and a quarter and saw out the trip well to beat Galen by three-quarters of a length under James Doyle, with 4-1 favourite King’s Gambit – like the winner carrying the Wathnan Racing colours – a strong-finishing third.

Hannon said of Haatem: “He’s pleased everyone all the way through his career, especially me.

“He’s an amazing horse and a pleasure to be involved with, for old connections and new connections, and he’s one of those horses that makes you remember why you train horses.

“What did he cost, 27,000 guineas? And the best thing about racing is you can find these horses and they then win these big races.

“He worked in the week and it was the best piece of work he’s done all year and I thought ‘is this the right thing to do, upping him in trip, maybe we should stick to a mile?’.

“James said he’s loved it despite being a bit eager early and it’s not out of the question we come back to a mile, but he will probably turn up in the Eclipse (would need to be supplemented) and I could see him running very well in that.”