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In a thrillingly close finish, Rashabar managed to hold off the late challenge of Wathnan Racing duo Electrolyte and Columnist to clinch the Coventry Stakes. This victory marked a triumphant return for the iconic silks associated with the late Robert Sangster to the winner’s enclosure at Royal Ascot.
Despite promising performances at Newbury and Chester, Brian Meehan’s charge had not secured a win in his first two outings. However, the Holy Roman Emperor colt, adorned in the renowned silks, secured a narrow victory as under the guidance of teenager Billy Loughnane.
Rashabar led a group of eight on the far rail and surged ahead inside the final furlong, seemingly on a clear path to the finish line.
Although Electrolyte and Columnist finished strongly and rapidly closed the gap, Loughnane, at 18 years old, celebrated his first Royal Ascot win as Rashabar crossed the line by the slimmest of margins.
Meehan said: “He’s felt very good since Chester, everything has gone very well with him throughout. Sean Levey said that when a horse runs around Chester it’s like having two runs, they learn so much, especially a 2YO that had only run once before.
“We’re very lucky that we get to use Billy when we can. He’s a great kid with a lovely way about him, he’s wonderful with people and the world is his oyster.”
Looking to future plans, Meehan said: “We shall see. I’ve always liked the idea of the Prix Morny, the July Stakes would be too soon, the Richmond is attractive. Obviously, we have to think about Group One races... maybe a Breeders’ Cup by the end of the year.”
Rashabar runs in the name of Manton Thoroughbreds, and Sam Sangster who said, “There was a reason I set the syndicate up 10 years ago, to keep the colours going. We have a lot of runners. It’s been fantastic in the last couple of years. We had Isaac Shelby last year and this fellow this year. I’m a bit lost for words and emotional, especially when you talk about the colours and my old man.”
Archie Watson said of the runner-up: “I got beat a neck across the track in the race with Army Ethos last year and we’ve got beat a nose in the race across the track this year.”
Richard Fahey’s Columnist was the third horse, and Wathnan’s racing adviser Richard Brown added: “There’s a good team here from Qatar and none of us are under any illusions about how tough it is to win at Ascot and that race goes to show it.
“Well done to Brian Meehan and his team, it was a great race and ours have performed with great credit. It’s mixed emotions, but we’ve got two very nice horses to look forward to.
“This project isn’t just about Ascot, it’s also about the future and that shows we have two nice horses to go to war with for the rest of the season.”
1st Rashabar - Owner: Manton Thoroughbreds Ix- Trainer: B J Meehan
2nd Electrolyte - Owner: Wathnan Racing- Trainer: A Watson
3rd Columnist - Owner: Wathnan Racing- Trainer: R A Fahey