Richard Pankhurst leads home Godolphin 1-2 at Newbury
Richard Pankhurst returned to form with a decisive win over Home Of The Brave in the seven-furlong G2 Betfred Hungerford Stakes at Newbury, UK, on Saturday, August 13.
The John Gosden-trained four-year-old, dropping down in class and trip after finishing last in the G1 Qatar Sussex Stakes, was held up at the rear of the field as Home Of The Brave (Hugo Palmer/Jim Crowley) led the six runners.
Richard Pankhurst travelled strongly under Robert Havlin entering the final quarter-mile and ran on powerfully to take the advantage passing the furlong pole before going away to beat Home Of The Brave by a length in 1m 24.43s on good to firm ground.
Robert Havlin commented: "Richard Pankhurst has always shown a high level of ability at home. He has such a devastating turn of foot but has had niggling problems through his career and maybe lacked a bit of confidence as a result.
"William Buick rode him in the Chesham Stakes on his second run when he was still a maiden and he demolished the field. He has shown something of that ability today.
"We expected a lot more from Richard Pankhurst in his first two runs this year because his homework was very good but it has taken time. He has not had hard races but has just not been putting it together.
"I think a small field and a straight track suits him well, where you can get him organised and sit quietly on him, while he loves fast ground too. As he grows in confidence, hopefully more options will be open to him."
