QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL 2016

RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE

FOURTH DAY, FRIDAY, JULY 29

THIK SLICES HIS WAY THROUGH PACK TO WIN

Thikriyaat had to negotiate a tricky passage in the home straight of the Group Three Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes at the Qatar Goodwood Festival this afternoon and jockey Paul Hanagan had to wait a long time for a gap to appear before the pair could make their winning run in the final furlong.

The 9/4 favourite responded well to his rider's urgings though and battled well to get past stablemate Forge in the dying strides to record a comfortable half-length success.

Thikriyaat's trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, was quick to praise the gelding's consistency and versatility after the race.

"He's very tough and consistent," said Stoute, who reinforced his position as the leading current trainer at Goodwoold.

"He's an admirable horse. I think he's good at a mile and could get even further. I didn't think there was much between this one and Forge.

"He was very effective at seven furlongs as well. He's very versatile and loves his racing. He's just a very consistent hrose. He went well on this ground but I think ideally he'll prefer a little bit of juice.

"I was a little concerned when I saw him boxed in, but then I thought the other one (Forge) would win so it wouldn't have been a disastrous day! I think he's won it well. He got there, had a look and then went on again. It was a good run."

2:35 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes (Group 3)

1 Thikriyaat (Hamdan Al Maktoum) Sir Michael Stoute 3-9-01 Paul Hanagan 9/4 Fav

2 Forge (Khalid Abdullah) Sir Michael Stoute 3-9-01 Ryan Moore 9/2

3 Light Up Our World (D Boocock) Richard Hannon 3-8-12 Pat Dobbs 25/1

9 ran

Time:  1m 38.16s; Distances: ½, ¾  

Tote Win £3.00; Place £1.30,£1.70,£5.00 Exacta £10.30; Breeder: Kildaragh Stud

Breeding: b g Azamour (IRE) - Malaspina (IRE) (Whipper (USA))

Sir Michael Stoute - 175 Goodwood wins (74 at Qatar Goodwood Festival)

Paul Hanagan - 13 Goodwood wins (8 at Qatar Goodwood Festival)