Jack Hobbs finished well to be Champion Stakes third
Jack Hobbs stayed on strongly to take third in the G1 QIPCO Champion Stakes for a second successive year on British Champions Day at Ascot, Saturday, October 15.
The John Gosden-trained four-year-old, making his first appearance since a pelvic fracture in May, was settled in second last of the 10-strong field by William Buick.
Jack Hobbs still had eight rivals in front of him as he was taken wide to deliver his challenge inside the straight and the Halling colt stayed on strongly inside the final furlong to take third in the closing stages.
Almanzor beat Found by two lengths in 2m 5.94s over 10 furlongs on good ground, with a further length and three quarters back to Jack Hobbs.
John Gosden said: "It’s lovely to have Jack Hobbs back.
"He wants a mile and a half, as you all noticed, and he plays about a bit - he’s still a bit of a kid.
"I’m thrilled - he’s finished behind the best three-year-old colt in Europe and the Arc winner. He’s run a great race.
"The mile and a half Dubai Sheema Classic [G1 at the 2017 Dubai World Cup meeting at Meydan] is our plan."
