Battaash shines in Haydock feature to cap memorable afternoon for Charlie Hills

The brilliant Battaash blitzed his Temple Stakes rivals to cap the most memorable half-hour in the training career of Charlie Hills.

Bold and blistering, the Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned sprinter cruised through the Group 2 contest and stretched clear to land back-to-back renewals by two and a half lengths over Alpha Delphini, just short of 30 minutes after stablemate Phoenix Of Spain secured the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.

Battaash assumed King's Stand favouritism following his ultra impressive performance, shortening to 5-2 (from 6) with Coral and Paddy Power.

Battaash stretches clear of his rivals to land the Temple StakesCredit: Grossick Racing (racingpost.com/photos)

Philippa Hills, wife of the trainer and flanked by beaming sons James and Eddie, said: "It’s been a surreal half an hour and we're all a bit in shock. It’s amazing and brilliant for everyone at the yard – a massive team effort goes into each day and you can’t beat it when it all comes together.

"We’re the ones here doing the cheering but it’s the people at home that are putting all the work in.

"I was watching Phoenix Of Spain on the television and just hoping he’d keep going – he’s obviously very good to do that on his return. Battaash is always quite nerve-wracking to watch but we love him and everyone is so fond of him.

"You can’t knock him and he puts everything in each time he runs. He’s really quiet and friendly at home – you can go in his box and give him a carrot and there’s not a nasty bone in his body."

Calm and collected at home, Battaash requires expert handling on the track and that role was fulfilled by Jim Crowley.

The jockey said of the six-time Group-race scorer: "He’s brilliant to ride and you get such a buzz out of it.

"The whole build-up is revolved around keeping a lid on him but when those gates open he comes alive. You just try to conserve his energy as much as you can – and he’s got so much of it.

"He’s in better form this year, seems a lot happier and is a lot more forward in his coat compared to last year. The King’s Stand is the next aim. He’s a smashing horse."

Watch Battaash bag a second Temple Stakes here

Last year's Nunthorpe winner Alpha Delphini ran a fine race on his return to chase home the winner, while Mabs Cross, whose owners David and Emma Armstrong sponsored the card, finished three-quarters of a length back in third. Fellow market principal Kachy faded into fifth.

Trainer Michael Dods said: "Mabs Cross ran a super race and on this sort of track they don't come back to you. We'll look forward to running her at a stiff track and will go for the King's Stand."

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