Hurricane Lane back in business with G2 Jockey Club Stakes victory

Hurricane Lane put a disappointing return to action firmly behind him with a convincing win in the G2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket, UK, on Friday, 5 May.

The three-time G1 winner had failed to beat a rival in a G3 race at Newbury 13 days earlier but looked far more at ease on a quicker surface and tracked Global Storm in a group of four that raced up the centre of the course.

Hurricane Lane moved up to join Global Storm three and a half furlongs from home and hit the front soon after. He readily took charge of affairs under William Buick, forging clear over furlong out before hitting the line strongly for a six-length success.

Global Storm stuck to his task but was impeded by the wayward West Wind Blows in the closing strides to cross the line third. West Wind Blows was demoted by the stewards, providing Charlie Appleby with a 1-2 in the 12-furlong contest.

Charlie Appleby said: “The ground was very testing at Newbury. We have always stated that Hurricane Lane likes a cut in the ground but, for his first run back after such a layoff, it was a big ask.

“William [Buick] said he never felt comfortable on the horse throughout the race, whereas today he felt he was a different horse. He said he felt much more athletic and enthusiastic, and when he asked him to pick up, he picked up like he did as a three-year-old.

“I have to thank all the team and am just delighted to get the horse back. A few people had asked why we were coming back but we believed in ourselves and that the horse still had the ability there.

“Today was potentially the last chance saloon because you do not want to see these horses getting beat when they have had a career like he has, but he has gone out there and proved what he has been showing us. I am delighted for the horse as much as ourselves.

“He likes good ground and we could look towards the Hardwicke Stakes if the ground is right. Ascot at that time of year can be proper summer racing ground or we have the odd year when it is on the slow side. We will keep plans fluid.”

William Buick: “That was the Hurricane Lane we all know. He was a top-class horse as a three-year-old and owes us nothing. He needed the race at Newbury and came out of it in good order by all accounts. Fair play to Charlie and the team for bringing him back here because it was a brave thing to do.

“Everything was perfect for him today and he showed what he can do. It is just nice to get him back winning. He loved it and let’s hope he can keep it up.”