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Goshen owner Packham 'really excited' ahead of hurdling star's Royal Ascot bid

Goshen: the Gary Moore-trained star is in line to run at Royal Ascot next week
Goshen: the Gary Moore-trained star is in line to run at Royal Ascot next weekCredit: Bill Selwyn (Getty Images)

Jumps fans will be treated to seeing one of their most popular stars on the Flat's biggest stage next week after Goshen was confirmed on course for an appearance at Royal Ascot.

The six-year-old has taken owner Steve Packham, who owns a construction company on the south coast of England, to the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals as well as winning more than £123,000 prize-money over hurdles.

However, Packham will be getting out his top hat and tails for Flat racing's most prestigious meeting, with Goshen set to line up in either the Ascot Stakes on the opening day or the Queen Alexandra Stakes, which closes proceedings on the final day.

Goshen warmed up for the royal meeting when third at Goodwood last month and a decision on his target is dependent on how much rain arrives at the track before and during the meeting.

Packham said: "He's all good, nice and fresh and heads to Ascot next week. We don't know which race he'll take part in yet, but I'll be doing the rain dance every day. No other people will want that, but I certainly will!

The winner Goshen (Jamie Moore) runs on from the final flight in the Listed Contenders HurdleSandown 5.2.22 Pic: Edward Whitaker
Goshen: top hurdler will be a popular sight at Royal Ascot for jumps fansCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I'm really excited. It's not something we're used to normally, but we're doing it purely because he hasn't had a lot of racing this year. He's in such good form with himself that we thought we'd keep him going for this and then he can have a little holiday afterwards."

The Gary Moore-trained star is already a dual winner of the Kingwell Hurdle over jumps, as well as being remembered for his heartbreaking unseat when well clear in the 2020 Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.

However, Packham is keen to savour another landmark moment with him in more unfamiliar territory next week.

"It's been an incredible journey with him," he added. "I never dreamed when I first bought him that he'd be taking us to all of the places we've gone and are going to, especially as he was the first horse I bought after getting back into racing following a nine-year break.

"It's a rollercoaster ride that I'm thoroughly enjoying and will continue to do so. It'll be a lovely occasion."

The going at Ascot on Tuesday was good, good to soft in places on the round course.


Read these next:

Gamble landed! Goshen owner has Brighton winner backed into 10-3 (from 22)

'She's maturing all the time and 12-1 is much too big' – Royal Ascot eyecatchers


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Matt RennieReporter

Published on 8 June 2022inNews

Last updated 08:24, 8 June 2022

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