Battaash romped to victory in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes on Friday to win the race at the third time of asking. The Charlie Hills-trained gelding smashed the course record held by Dayjur since 1990.
Leading with two furlongs left of the sprint – the feature of the day at the Ebor Festival – he picked up the pace and cruised to win by three and three-quarter lengths from Soldier’s Call with So Perfect another length back in third.
Related: Hills Keeping Faith In Battaash
Hills said he was delighted with his horse’s performance and fought back at the critics who said he was not capable of victory. “Fantastic,” Hills said. “All the chat saying he doesn’t like York and he’s broken the track record, and that’s Dayjur’s track record as well.
“He was so cool and calm. It was a good decision to keep him at home last night. He loves his stable at home and it’s nice to keep a routine with him. “I was really pleased with the draw and Jim gave him an absolute peach of a ride. He got a lovely tow in there. This is some horse – he’s seriously fast.”
Got what it Takes?
Predict and Win Millions Now
