Hawkbill Proves A Star In Coral-Eclipse
Hawkbill announced himself as one of Europe's top middle-distance performers as he valiantly gained a first G1 success in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park, UK, on Saturday, July 2.
Hawkbill announced himself as one of Europe's top middle-distance performers as he valiantly gained a first G1 success in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park, UK, on Saturday, July 2.
It was a sixth consecutive win for the three-year-old colt, who was supplemented for the 10-furlong highlight following a smooth victory in the G3 Tercentenary Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.
Hawkbill, representing Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, was smartly into his stride and soon settled in a clear second as pacemaker Countermeasure set a strong gallop for the seven runners.
The Godolphin runner still held second as the field bunched entering the straight and stayed on powerfully to take the advantage with just over two furlongs left.
He was briefly headed by The Gurkha soon afterwards and the pair quickened away from their rivals to fight out a pulsating duel.
Hawkbill rallied to regain the advantage entering the final furlong and asserted in the closing stages for a half-length success in 2m 10.71 on soft ground, with a further length and three-quarters back to Time Test in third.
John Ferguson, Chief Executive and Racing Manager of Godolphin, commented: "This is a big day and it is a great team effort. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was very keen that we supplement Hawkbill and I am delighted for him. He is back in Dubai watching and is obviously thrilled.
"I am delighted for Charlie, the team and the whole of Godolphin because everybody plays such a huge role in making these things happen. When it does happen, it is really special. These are huge events and it is massive to win them, so congratulations to everyone involved.
"Hopefully, Sheikh Mohammed will be back for the July Meeting at Newmarket next week and we can all have a sit down and a good think about where we want to go next. The horse has a great future ahead of him."
Charlie Appleby added: "Hawkbill came out of Royal Ascot so well - he thrived in the week after the race - and John, myself and Sheikh Mohammed got together and thought perhaps we should be having a look at this kind of race."
William Buick said: "What a lovely horse Hawkbill is and what a call to supplement him by Charlie, Sheikh Mohammed and John Ferguson. It is absolutely fantastic for the whole team - winning these big races is very important but it is very hard to do.
"It is massive to win these races and we will let the dust settle first, but Hawkbill is a very good horse. He goes on the ground very well and the future is very bright for him. On his last couple of runs, he has given us all the attributes of a good horse."
