Success For Home Of The Brave In Haydock's Jury Stakes

Home Of The Brave enjoyed a game all-the-way victory in the G3 Timeform Jury Stakes over seven furlongs at Haydock Park, UK, on Saturday, May 28.

The Hugo Palmer-trained four-year-old, making his Godolphin debut following an impressive Listed win at Leicester on April 23, broke smartly and soon held the advantage over his eight rivals.

He was pressed strongly by Breton Rock a furlong and a half from home but found more for James Doyle to regain a decisive lead entering the final furlong.

Convey threw down his challenge in the closing stages but Home Of The Brave ran on for a neck success in 1m 28.77s on good ground, with two lengths back to So Beloved in third.

Hugo Palmer commented: "It was very important to win a G3 with Home Of The Brave and I loved the fact that he dug deep in a sustained battle with Breton Rock and then Convey.

"Every time he has run before, he has either won by clear daylight or been beaten. This was the first time that he has stuck his neck out and taken on all comers.

"We have races like the Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland and the Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita to consider later in the year but there is a lot of water to go under the bridge before then.

"There are a few seven-furlong races over here, but all within a few weeks of each other so you have to aim at one. Then there is the Prix de la Foret, but that is usually on soft ground."

John Ferguson, Godolphin's Chief Executive and Racing Manager, said: "The most important asset this horse has is pace.

"Home Of The Brave loves fast ground and I think he is a horse that can really help the internationalism of Godolphin.

"Races in America appeal and towards the end of the year Australia and Hong Kong appeal so he could be a real international traveller for us. We need those team members."

James Doyle added: "Home Of The Brave relaxed well and took a couple of strides to pick up but it was a solid performance. He is a horse who is improving all of the time.

"He has a great attitude and is always willing to please. A mile is a question mark but I love the way he did it today."