Hukum emerges victorious in an exhilarating King George race
An Epic Battle: Hukum Triumphs Over Westover in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes
The race of the season so far unfolded at Ascot’s midsummer highlight, the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes. It was a contest filled with anticipation as ten runners lined up for the mile-and-a-half challenge.
Hukum, last year’s Coronation Cup champion and a horse that had recently returned from injury to secure victory in the Brigadier Gerard at Sandown, entered the race as a 13-2 outsider. Jockey Jim Crowley positioned Hukum well throughout the race, comfortably sitting amidst midfield contenders.
As they approached the two-furlong marker, Hukum made his move to challenge Westover for the lead. The stage was set for an exhilarating battle between these two formidable competitors.
Incredibly, neither horse nor jockey were willing to yield an inch amid mounting pressure. However, it was Hukum who showcased exceptional determination and grit as he crossed the finish line just ahead of Westover by a mere head margin.
King Of Steel performed admirably and secured third place behind these fierce rivals. Luxembourg followed closely behind in fourth position while Pyledriver defended its title valiantly but settled for fifth place on this occasion.
A surprising disappointment came from dual Derby winner Auguste Rodin. Despite being considered a favorite with odds of 9-4, Rodin encountered a troubled journey throughout the race. Struggling to find an ideal position, he weakened significantly and ultimately finished last.
The victory was not only a remarkable achievement for Hukum but also held deep sentimental significance for Sheikha Hissa, as the horse was bred by her father Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. Angus Gold, racing manager of owners Shadwell, expressed his overwhelming joy and praise for the horse’s resilience after recovering from a serious injury.
Owen Burrows, the trainer behind Hukum’s success, couldn’t contain his excitement: “What can you say about him – he’s an absolute star… The guys back at Shadwell rehabbed him after his injury at Epsom – huge credit to them.” Reflecting on this milestone victory in their second season as public trainers and their first Royal Ascot win, it is evident that Hukum holds great importance in Burrows’ career.
In contrast to the jubilation surrounding Hukum’s triumph, Aidan O’Brien struggled to explain Auguste Rodin’s lackluster performance. He admitted disappointment with how early Rodin seemed to lose power during the race and vowed to investigate what went wrong.