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| Staff Writer |
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Raqiya claimed a controversial victory in the Gr.3 Visit Qatar Oak Tree Stakes at Goodwood, being promoted to first place following a stewards' enquiry.
The Owen Burrows-trained filly, had crossed the line a head behind Jabaara, who initially appeared to have secured a quickfire double for trainer Roger Varian and jockey James Doyle.
However, the stewards ruled that Jabaara's manoeuvre towards the rail had impeded Raqiya's run, costing her the win. Outsider Ziggy's Dream finished third, half a length behind the principals.
Burrows, celebrating his second Qatar Goodwood Festival winner, said: "Roger is one of my best mates and it is never nice to win one like that. Jim felt we would have won with a clear run, and watching it a few times on the big screen, we probably felt we would have been an unlucky loser."
Jim Crowley, securing his 26th Qatar Goodwood Festival success, explained during the enquiry: "I've had to wait until the cutaway and my filly is picking up. We've got the rail to run against and we've got plenty of clear room to go. The horse in front has just shifted across her and I've had to switch."
Doyle, defending his ride, countered: "There is no question, when I have let my filly go, she has looked for company and gone right-hand down until she has got to the rail. I felt at the time she has crossed onto the rail, Jim hasn't had to check and come out."
Varian, gracious in defeat, said of Jabaara: "I have only seen the race once and I don't want to comment on the interference or the stewards' decision – they have had the luxury of watching it many more times and from more angles than we have and they have come to that decision and we have to congratulate the winner."
Tom Palin of Middleham Park Racing, co-owners of third-placed Ziggy's Dream, was delighted with their 50-1 shot's performance: "Sometimes if you are third at 6-4, you are a bit disappointed, but at 50-1 you are absolutely delighted. She has a couple of races abroad – one in Cologne and one at Naas. We will kick on."
The dramatic conclusion to the Oak Tree Stakes serves as a reminder of the fine margins in top-level racing, with Raqiya's victory marking a significant milestone in her career and a memorable day for the Burrows team.