Haradasun Victorious at Royal Ascot
The Royal Ascot kicked off on Tuesday, 17 June 2008, with many surprises and thrilling racing events. The £250 000.00 Queen Anne Stakes is a Group 1 race for four year olds and over, and was one of the most anticipated races in the Royal Ascot schedule. Eleven horses entered the starting gates at half-past-two in the afternoon, but is was to be a close finish with three horses battling it out for superiority.
Three couples from Sydney, Australia, joined financial forces to purchase a horse named Haradasun. After performing exceptionally well, winning two Group 1 racing events, the colt caught the attention of Coolmore Stud, who purchased half the colt from the owners for a spectacular $45 million. Haradasun had been trained in Australia by Tony Vasil prior to the Coolmore purchase, but was moved to be trained under legendary trainer Aiden O’Brian in Ireland.
Fisceal Beo was the favorite for winning the Queen Anne Stakes, and for a while it did not seem that Haradasun was very eager to run, as he remained behind Honoured Guest for most of the race. But jockey, Johnny Murtagh, knew that Haradasun just needed a little encouragement and a gap, to show off his real abilities. After a gentle reminder by his jockey, Haradasun changed gears and started to move forward with his known relentlessness and determination. It was finally down to Haradasun, Fisceal Beo and Darjina fighting for winning position. Even though he had started to tire, Haradasun hung on and beat the field to the finish line. Haradasun was followed by Darjina from France and Fisceal Beo from Ireland.
It was a wonderful victory for owners, trainer, jockey and all who have shown their support and love for Haradasun throughout his career. His tenacity and strength have served him well, and he will be returning to Coolmore Stud Farm for a good rest before deciding on his next career move. And with the approximately four hundred thousand spectators being treated to such an explosive first day at the Royal Ascot, everyone is excited for the rest of the racing festival.
