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| Staff Writer |
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Harry Charlton marked his first Royal Ascot victory as Hand Of God triumphed in the Golden Gates Handicap. Charlton, who operates out of Wiltshire, had narrowly missed out on a win earlier in the week, but clinched the victory with Hand Of God, owned by Mohammed Jaber and ridden by William Buick.
Similarly, Charlton had previously achieved success when Thesis won the Britannia Handicap two years before.
Hand Of God, also owned by Mohammed Jaber, surged past competitors in the home straight, securing a clear victory by almost two lengths, with Cambridge finishing in second place, and Black Run coming in third, three and a half lengths behind.
Charlton said: “Hand Of God didn’t have a great trip again, but he had a clear run at least this time. He picked up very quick from the three to the one and William said he almost got there too soon.
“The plan was to try to sit mid-div and not to be three off the rail. I think he was further back than mid-div and three off the rail at some time, so it wasn’t perfect, but he picked up great.
“Mohammed Jaber has had a tough week, watching King’s Gambit, and we all thought we were a bit unlucky that day, so for him to get a winner is so important.
“I think Hand Of God is still a 10-furlong horse; he’s got a great mind and is good physically. He’s not done much wrong and I guess he’s probably due a step up in class. He works with King’s Gambit and Kikkuli, so we were all quite confident.”
Buick said: “I know there were a few non-runners, but to be drawn 17 at a mile and a quarter is a notoriously hard draw. We got in where we could and got a lovely rhythm.
“To be honest, when he picked up early in the straight, he was pretty instant and progressive to the line. He gave me a really good feel. He is very comfortable at a mile and a quarter, and I would say that he’s been needing this trip. He is a young horse going places.”
1st- Hand Of God (Mohammed Jaber) Harry Charlton / William Buick
2nd- Cambridge (Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Peter Brant) Aidan O’Brien IRE / Wayne Lordan
3rd- Black Run (Valmont & P F I Cole Ltd) Paul & Oliver Cole / Jamie Spencer