'There's a lot of love for him' - Haatem provides the perfect tonic for Richard Hannon after Rosallion defeat

Richard Hannon received the perfect tonic to cure Rosallion's defeat when Haatem made it back-to-back victories at the royal meeting in the Listed Wolferton Stakes.

A winner of the Jersey Stakes 12 months ago, the four-year-old made a successful step up in trip to pass Galen in second and provide owners Wathan Racing with their first winner at this year's meeting.

It was Haatem's first win of the season and the decision to tackle a mile and a quarter was made by winning jockey James Doyle.

Speaking to ITV Racing, Hannon said: "James chose this race and, to me, he never looked like getting beaten. He's just such a lovely horse, a gentleman, whenever he runs there's a lot of love for him in the office, emails and things. He's pleased everybody all the way along the line, especially me."

The Coral-Eclipse has been discussed as Haatem's next target, and when asked if he will head to Sandown, Hannon said: "Absolutely. He's in it and he'll run very well. Rosallion will go to the Sussex and this horse probably will go to the Eclipse."

Doyle struck again in the concluding Copper Horse Stakes when 5-2 favourite French Master powered home for John and Thady Gosden.

A recent acquisition by Wathnan, the four-year-old did not get the quickest of starts but he made up plenty of ground under Doyle to make it four wins from his last five starts when pulling comfortably clear from Caballo De Mar.

French Master (James Doyle) bolted up in the Copper HorseCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Doyle said: "We had a bit of give and take there, we had to try and find our mutual ground. Whilst he didn't help me early on, he certainly did from two furlongs out until the line. 

"I was too far back, they were going no gallop and he walked out the gate. They can do that sometimes with the blinkers on, but when he gets on to the track he's pretty good at the business end."

Doyle was also quick to praise Robert Havlin, who was responsible for two of the Frankel colt's wins.

"French Master's a character, but the guys do a great job with him because you have to be on his case at home every morning. Rab is a master at teaching these young horses and he's brought him through his career very nicely," Doyle said.

"He's such a great friend of mine. Sometimes it's sad not seeing him win on these horses, but we all know it's the game we're in and I'm sure nobody will be more pleased than him."

Ascending handed Henry de Bromhead his first Royal Ascot winnerCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Shrewd success

Henry de Bromhead continued to show his versatility when registering his first winner at the royal meeting courtesy of Ascending's success in the Ascot Stakes.

Ridden by Billy Lee, the 20-1 shot produced a powerful turn of foot to pull clear of a Joseph O'Brien-trained battalion in behind, with Nurburgring, Comfort Zone and Leinster finishing second, third and fourth.

Often seen firing in the winners over jumps, De Bromhead scored his first Flat victory at Ascot at the tenth attempt.

The trainer said: "If they've got the ability it makes it a lot easier. Thankfully when you get support from the likes of Chris Jones [owner] and all our owners, it makes life a lot easier too. We've got our hands on some really good horses, we've got a great team and delighted for everyone.

"He was bought to go hurdling and he ran very well over hurdles, but I think he never really loved it, so I said we'd try going back on the Flat."

Jones was making his first visit to the fixture, and he added: "We've had a trying time with the National Hunt game and the family all deserve a big winner and that's what this is, a proper winner. Henry and I are friends; he's our trainer but we were out last night and had great fun, and we'll have some fun tonight too!"

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