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| Staff Writer |
William Haggas continues remarkable Australian success story as Lake Forest claims US$10m feature under masterful Cieren Fallon ride, while Jerome Reynier-trained runner-up eyes Hong Kong target
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The 2024 Golden Eagle at Rosehill Gardens culminated in dramatic fashion as British raider Lake Forest stormed to victory, but celebrations were temporarily put on hold as a double protest threatened to overturn the result. The William Haggas-trained 3YO, expertly guided by Cieren Fallon, burst through underneath France's Lazzat for an international one-two finish in Australia's second-richest race.
The aftermath saw connections of Lazzat lodge an objection against Lake Forest alleging interference near the finish, while fifth-placed Stefi Magnetica's team protested against the runner-up. Racing NSW chief steward Steve Railton swiftly dismissed both objections, but handed down severe penalties to the international riders involved.
Fallon's actions in allowing Lake Forest to move out and bump Lazzat near the finishing post were deemed "grossly careless" by the stewards, resulting in a one-month suspension and a record US$100,000 fine. Italian jockey Antonio Orani, aboard Lazzat, received a month's ban and US$30,000 fine for causing interference to Stefi Magnetica.
The race unfolded with Lazzat taking an unexpected leading position after being slowly away from the gates. Italian-born jockey Orani made a split-second decision to press forward, setting a steady tempo at the head of affairs. Makarena applied consistent pressure throughout, creating the perfect scenario for Lake Forest's devastating late surge.
Fallon executed a masterful ride, demonstrating patience and tactical awareness by saving ground along the rail. "Everything went to Plan A," he revealed post-race. "I wanted to tuck in, we knew we had a lot of speed and had to save his turn of foot. I thought if we used too much energy early on we'd have been taking away our turn of foot. So I had to ride him quite brave and hope we got a bit of luck."
Lake Forest's victory marked another remarkable Australian success for Haggas, who has previously claimed notable victories Down Under with Addeybb (Gr.1 Ranvet Stakes-Queen Elizabeth Stakes double in 2020 and Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2021) and Dubai Honour (2023 Gr.1 Ranvet Stakes-Queen Elizabeth Stakes double). His success extends to staying events, having captured three Manion Cups with Young Rascal (2020), Favorite Moon (2021), and Post Impressionist (2024).
The winning margin was half a length, with Tom Kitten finishing a close third, just a half-head behind Lazzat. Makarena claimed fourth position, while Stefi Magnetica, despite experiencing interference, managed fifth. Japanese hope Ascoli Piceno never featured prominently, finishing 12th after failing to overcome a wide barrier draw.
French trainer Jerome Reynier has already outlined future plans for Lazzat, targeting the US$4.6m Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin on December 8. The previously unbeaten son of Territories lost nothing in defeat, showing tremendous courage when pressured throughout by Makarena before succumbing late to the winner's superior finishing burst.
"The plan wasn't to be up front but he was a bit fresh and keen to be back at the races," Reynier explained. "He missed the break a little bit when he saw the others, he wanted to go with him. Antonio wanted to go along with him and he took the lead. He has been very brave and courageous to hold that position up to the post."
Fallon delivered a poignant tribute post-race, dedicating the win to his late friend, jockey Stefano Cherchi, who tragically passed away in April following injuries sustained in a Canberra race fall. "Obviously Stefano helped me get a few gaps there," Fallon said, pointing skyward.
The young rider's appreciation for his mentor Haggas was evident: "To ride for the boss, he places his horses very well, I think he's the best in the world at it. I've been with him since day one, he's looked after me, so to have faith in me to put me up on mounts like this, I'm very grateful, and I'm glad I could repay the favour."
Haggas, watching from his England base while battling a heavy cold, expressed both relief and jubilation: "To pull this off, it's unbelievable...unbelievable. I would have to say it's up there with the best wins we have had. We were going into the unknown a bit this time with a 3YO coming out of our summer into your spring."
The trainer's travelling representative, Izzy Paul, who has overseen multiple successful raids on Australian racing, added: "He's not an overly big horse but he's got plenty of presence and he's solid – and just that explosive turn of foot is phenomenal. Cieren has ridden that so beautifully, and that was the plan, sit back, let them all kill themselves in front and come through to finish."
The Golden Eagle, while relatively new to the Australian racing calendar, has quickly established itself as one of the country's most prestigious and valuable races, attracting international competition and cementing its position as a key target for connections worldwide. Lake Forest's victory adds another fascinating chapter to its growing legacy.
The triumph further enhances Haggas's remarkable record in Australian racing, with his strategic targeting of major races continuing to yield impressive results. His masterful handling of Lake Forest, preparing a northern hemisphere 3YO to triumph in such a demanding contest, ranks among his finest achievements in a career already studded with international success.