Sunday 24 August 2014 17:23, UK
Irish raider Ansgar gave weight and a beating to his rivals in the Doom Bar Supreme Stakes at Goodwood.
Sabrina Harty's stable star claimed a maiden Group-race triumph in the Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh on his penultimate start, but did not fare as well when only seventh in Leopardstown's Desmond Stakes a week and a half ago.
Sent off at 14/1 for his latest assignment in the capable hands of James Doyle, Ansgar tracked the pacesetting Indignant for the first part of the seven-furlong contest before being nudged to the front a furlong and a half from the finish.
Hot favourite Muteela, who lost her unbeaten record when narrowly denied by J Wonder at Glorious Goodwood at the start of the month, was hard at work to bridge the gap, but was ultimately unable to get on terms.
Ansgar passed the post a length and three-quarters to the good, with Muteela second and Professor third.
Harty said: "We took a bit of a chance bringing him over, but it was worth the trip, so we're delighted.
"There aren't many seven-furlong races for him at home, so we decided to travel and he has just about got away with the ground. It was a bit loose on top.
"He's a massive, strong horse, so carrying weight isn't a problem and he's been great for us this summer.
"He deserves it. He's had all sorts of problems with sore shins and a kissing spine - but for all that I think he'd have been a proper Group One horse.
"If the ground is good we'll look at the Park Stakes at Doncaster (September 13). He's also entered on Champions Day at Leopardstown (Boomerang Stakes), which is the same day at Doncaster, but that's over a mile and I'd rather stay at seven furlongs if we can."
