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| Staff Writer |
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Approval provided jockey Tom Marquand and trainer William Haggas with their first success of the 2024 Qatar Goodwood Festival, powering home to land the Coral Kincsem Handicap.
The entire, carrying the colours of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, travelled smoothly in midfield before pouncing late to claim victory. When 18-5 favourite Midnight Gun drifted off the far rail, Marquand seized the opportunity, guiding his mount through the gap to lead inside the final furlong.
Approval held off the late challenge of Brioni by a neck, with Midnight Gun a further neck back in third.
Marquand, reflecting on the tactical masterclass, said: "We got the most beautiful run behind the favourite and the splits came after, so it worked out great."
The victory marked Marquand's 15th at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, further cementing his status as one of the rising stars of the British racing scene. The 26-year-old jockey has been in fine form this season, with his partnership with the Haggas stable proving particularly fruitful.
Assistant trainer Maureen Haggas praised the winner's maturity: "Approval would have been unlucky if he had got beaten because he tried every gap. He did well to win. He was much more mature in the prelims."
The Coral Kincsem Handicap, named after the legendary Hungarian mare who went unbeaten in 54 starts in the 19th century, has become a popular fixture at the Qatar Goodwood Festival. The race, run over a distance of 1 mile 1 furlong and 197 yards, often provides a stepping stone for progressive handicappers looking to make their mark in pattern company.
Alan King, trainer of runner-up Brioni, was upbeat despite the narrow defeat: "I am delighted with that. The gelding has helped him and I thought Vincent [Ho] gave him a great ride."
Jockey Vincent Ho, making a rare appearance at the Goodwood Festival, added: "Close; not good enough! Brioni kept kicking, so there was always hope until the line, but Tom did a good job on the inside."
The victory marked a significant turnaround for Approval, who had disappointed when last seen in Royal Ascot's Golden Gates Handicap. This performance suggests the Haggas team have unlocked further improvement in the progressive handicapper.
Approval, a son of Nathaniel out of the Dansili mare Affirmation, was bred by Gestut Ammerland and Newsells Park Stud. The four-year-old gelding has now won four of his eleven starts, with this Goodwood victory marking his most significant success to date.
Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, the syndicate that owns Approval, has enjoyed considerable success at the Qatar Goodwood Festival in recent years. The organisation, founded by Harry Herbert in 1992, has become renowned for offering affordable shares in high-quality racehorses.
Looking ahead, connections hinted at potential targets for Approval. While no specific plans were confirmed, races such as the Cambridgeshire Handicap at Newmarket or even a step up to Listed company could be on the agenda.
The Qatar Goodwood Festival, also known as 'Glorious Goodwood', continues to attract some of the best horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the world. With its unique undulating track and picturesque setting on the Sussex Downs, the five-day meeting remains one of the highlights of the British racing calendar.
As the festival progresses, all eyes will be on whether Marquand and Haggas can build on this success and add to their tally. With Approval's impressive performance, they have certainly laid down a marker for the rest of the week.