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| Staff Writer |
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Desert Hero, the 3YO racehorse, is gaining attention as the build-up to the St Leger continues. Trainer William Haggas, who led Horse of the Year Baaeed to victory last season, is pleased with the Royal Ascot and Gordon Stakes winner's progress.
Haggas chose to skip the Great Voltigeur at York to keep Desert Hero fresh for the upcoming race. If Desert Hero were to win, it would mark the King and Queen's second major victory after their first Royal Ascot success. Haggas could potentially become a part of Turf history if he can secure a Classic win with Desert Hero. The King would also follow in the footsteps of the late Queen, who owned St Leger winner Dunfermline in 1977, which was Silver Jubilee year.
“Desert Hero is absolutely fine, he worked Thursday morning and I’m very happy with him,” said Haggas.
“We toyed with the idea of York for the Voltigeur, but in the end, we just felt what was the point.”
He added, “I realise that we might be getting a phone call a day from the press, I can feel it coming, but I’d rather that than nothing at all.”