'He's tough and tenacious' - Royal Fleet defies big absence to land Listed prize

Wednesday: Goodwood

William Buick doffing his hat to photographers as he enters the winner's enclosure has become a familiar sight at the Sussex venue this season, and that was the case once again as Royal Fleet defied a lengthy absence to land the Listed Bahrain Turf Club Foundation Stakes.

Having not been seen on the track for 208 days, and not since September last year in Britain, the son of Dubawi had to be urged along by Buick two furlongs out but was comfortably on top at the finish, running out a length winner.

"He obviously hasn't run for a long time so he was always going to improve on what he did today," Buick said. "He's run on fair, flat tracks – he ran three times in Meydan last winter – so this was something new for him.

"He just lugged out on the top turn which allowed the other horse to go up the inside so we started racing a fair way out. He just took a bit of time to get motivated and organised, but I felt he was well on top at the end."

A spell in Dubai during the winter yielded two seconds in Group 2s and a Group 3 win for the Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old, who could now be aimed at the Bahrain International Trophy at Sakhir on November 18.

"Going for Bahrain [International Trophy] was mentioned," added Buick. "He's that kind of horse, a mile and a quarter is his trip. He's tough and tenacious and hopefully there's more to come from him."

Listed ambitions for Vafortino

A bit of juice in the ground was just what the doctor ordered for Vafortino, who put two disappointing performances behind him to land the claiming handicap.

After finishing down the field in the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket on quicker ground, the Kevin Philippart de Foy-trained four-year-old kept on well to fend off the late challenge of Substantial and hold on by a head.

"His last two runs were on firm ground at Royal Ascot and back at Newmarket, and he likes a bit of juice in the ground which we could see from his time in Ireland," De Foy said.

Vafortino (green cap) bounces back after two defeats on fast going during the summerCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Winner of the Victoria Cup at Ascot back in May, Vafortino will possibly be aimed at Listed company next with the likely destination France as De Foy searches for easier underfoot conditions.

"He won the Victoria Cup and it's always difficult to win again after that, but with the ease in the ground today he found the right opportunity," the trainer added.

"We're probably going to France with him next. It's getting very difficult for him in handicaps, especially after today, so we'll go for a Listed race in France."

Going Galactic

The opening juvenile maiden was for future stayers and the Andrew Balding-trained Galactic Jack showed stamina was his strength with a game, front-running performance, with the late market springer Midnight Lion finishing second.

Balding's wife Anna Lisa was there to welcome him in, and said: "We're very lucky, we've got some really nice two-year-olds and it's lovely to have another juvenile winner for Jeff [Smith]. He ran very well first time out, we were hoping for big things today and he delivered."

The day got better for Balding as Good Birthday justified favouritism to land the 1m1f handicap under Harry Davies to give the trainer a double.

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