3 minute read

Royal Empire proved the icing on the cake on what was a memorable day for Silvestre De Sousa when the colt ran out a ready winner of the Sharps Brewery Steventon Stakes at Newbury.

Godolphin saddled two for the Listed prize, with Ocean War also in the field, but it was always going to be Royal Empire's day once the hat-trick-seeking De Sousa sent him in pursuit of Al Waab.

The son of Teofilo was quickly on top and when asked to stretch, pulled a length and a half clear of Al Waab. It was strictly a two-horse race in the final furlong, with four and a half lengths back to Dick Doughtywylie.

A thrilled De Sousa, who had already won on Lanark and Galician, said of the 9-4 favourite: "He's always been a nice horse. He won in Dubai and came back stronger this year. It's been a good day. I'm just lucky to be able to ride good horses."

Godolphin spokesman William Balding said the Saeed bin Suroor-trained winner is a possible for Haydock's Rose Of Lancaster Stakes on August 10.

He commented: "He got a bit hampered on his last run in Dubai, and now we hope to step him up. Depending on how he comes out of it he could go for the Rose Of Lancaster Stakes."

The Gold Cheongsam returned to near her best when flooring odds-on Music Master in the Lucky Greayer Bloodstock Shipping Conditions Stakes. Jeremy Noseda's filly (3-1) had not shown much on her first start this year before fading late at Royal Ascot, but under a strong William Buick drive she worried the favourite out of it to score by half a length.

Noseda said: "The reason is simple - she got her ground today, she can't have it fast enough. She ran all right at Royal Ascot, where the draw beat her. She was level with them a furlong out.

"Seven furlongs is perfect for her and my plan is the Oak Tree at Goodwood. It's on the Friday and I hope they don't over water. I've had more of mine injured on over-watered ground than on quick ground."