Merchant Storms To Memorable King George V Stakes Triumph

Haggas Reveals Pre-Race Concerns

The victory came despite significant pre-race anxieties for Haggas, who endured a nerve-wracking 24 hours before the contest. The trainer revealed the full extent of his concerns following the triumph.

"A lot of people don't understand what trainers go through. Yesterday the horse coughed 10 times at exercise, never coughed before. Then the seeds of doubt come in, the sleepless nights, are we doing the right thing, do I tell Harry Herbert of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing? No. Yes, we are doing the right thing, we must run, and the horse is fine. Then going into the saddling box, he slipped just as he was going in. He then held his leg, the left-hind, all through saddling, so we went out and trotted him up twice. He seemed alright, but I said to Tom if you're not happy with him at the start, take him out. We couldn't tell anyone, we've got 50 people here. It is not all plain sailing, so when they win, it is absolutely fantastic. I am thrilled to bits."

Despite these setbacks, Haggas remained confident in his decision-making process. "That is complicated publicising the above. No one knows why he coughed, but he did, and when they don't and they suddenly do, it's a bit of a nerve-wracking situation. I have been doing it a long time; you take a decision, you stick by it and it's paid off, so we can now drink another glass of sparkling water! I don't know whether the punters trust us, but I think the Highclere shareholders, Harry and his management team trust us. We will make a decision for the horse's benefit."

Marquand Praises Confident Tactics

Jockey Tom Marquand delivered a masterful ride aboard Merchant, switching the colt wide in the straight before unleashing a devastating finishing kick. The combination proved too strong for Serious Contender, who finished second, with Pantile Warrior and Nautical Force completing the frame.

Marquand praised the tactical approach employed by Haggas. "I am very impressed. The one thing I would say is that William was very sure on how he wanted me to ride him, and that was with a lot of confidence.

It is very easy to do that when you know you have a good horse under you, which we know with this chap. He is improving and has a great mind. Albeit we were back, we had a very smooth passage and William was so right in riding him in that way."

The jockey also highlighted Merchant's temperament as a key asset. "The King George is a big step up, but he is on that trajectory and the one thing I was very confident in today was his mind. He went down to the start like he was at Chepstow on a Monday, which at Royal Ascot is such a big asset."

Connections Eye Bigger Targets

Harry Herbert of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing expressed his delight with the performance, noting the significance of the victory for the syndicate. "William has always said that Merchant is a very good horse. He hasn't been given an entry in the Gr.1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes lightly, but that might just be froth. That was a very good performance, though. He has come from a long way back and won very convincingly. This is our fifth King George V Stakes win. He fits the profile of other horses we've had in the race who have gone on. The normal route might be a Gordon Stakes, a Great Voltigeur Stakes, who knows, maybe a St Leger."

Herbert also revealed the special circumstances surrounding Merchant's acquisition. "Merchant has such a good pedigree, bred by Jim Bolger. Jake Warren bought him at Goffs, and we were so excited, hugging and kissing. My phone was ringing and ringing, and I thought, 'Aargh, who's that?' It was William who said, 'I have just seen you've bought that horse. I have never asked before in 33 years, please can I train him?'

And here we are, at Royal Ascot, it's very special."

Meanwhile, Aidan O'Brien remained positive about his runner-up. "Serious Contender is a lovely horse and I am very happy with the way he ran. There will be more to come from him," the Ballydoyle handler commented.