Rated 120 in the UK, Royal Champion brought outstanding European form into the contest, having claimed the Listed Quebec Stakes at Lingfield on stable debut before producing a career-best display in the Group 2 York Stakes, where he defeated Almaqam. His most recent performance, a gallant third in the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes behind Delacroix, was full of merit after encountering early traffic issues.
However Royal Champion experienced a less than impressive stint in Australia where he had three starts as a highly touted International for just the one placing in the G2 Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley before running near last in the Champions Stakes won by Via Sistina. Following that effort connections opted to take the horse back to the UK to race.
Facing a strong field of eight in Bahrain, Royal Champion lined up against several classy rivals, including the progressive Ralph Beckett-trained gelding Pride Of Arras.
Joseph O’Brien’s Galen set a brisk tempo in the early stages under Dylan Browne McMonagle and looked the likely winner turning into the home straight, maintaining a two-length margin approaching the final two furlongs. However, jockey James Doyle timed his challenge perfectly aboard Royal Champion, surging past the long-time leader inside the final half-furlong. Galen held on for second, while Godolphin’s Military Order finished third.
“He has a turn of foot but he takes some time to get going,” said winning trainer Karl Burke.
“Maybe if we ran the race again, we’d sit a little closer or move forward sooner but that’s no criticism of James, he’s given him a great ride.
“I thought we were beaten a furlong and a half out, I didn’t think we would get there. He stays well, he’s tough.
“This horse can take a hundred yards to get going. If we were to run the race again, I’d be telling James to him to get going hundred yards earlier!”
The victory capped off an outstanding year for Burke, who has now trained thirty-seven Stakes winners from his Middleham base.
“It’s been very special, we’ve been supported by some very influential owners who can supply those horses. We have a great team of people at home.”
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