Yard favourite Defoe delights Varian's team with Hardwicke success

Victory for a yard favourite means that bit more and Defoe did his popularity no harm in producing a career-best performance to land the Hardwicke Stakes.

The ever-improving five-year-old is not just the apple of everyone’s eye at Roger Varian’s Carlburg Stables in Newmarket but also immensely treasured by the trainer's family.

While the Varian team on course were beaming from ear to ear and fielding handshakes and hugs from left, right and centre after his thrilling half-length victory over Czech Republic challenger Nagano Gold, the trainer’s children Momoka, Eiji and Reika will have been watching intently on television from home.

Varian’s wife Hanako said: “Defoe is my favourite as he’s a lovely horse at home yet really tough on the track and that is a rare combination. He’s kind, a gentleman and all he wants to do is eat grass, even at the racecourse! He’s just so chilled out and a pleasure to have in the yard.

“He’s very kind to our children and he’s just so nice. Days like this are fantastic and it’s great for his owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, who has been so kind to our family and the children –I’m certain they are watching at home.”

Last year's Derby winner Masar loomed up promisingly on the outside entering the home straight but faded in the closing stages to finish a near five-length fifth in the Group 2 contest.

A return to Ascot for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes on July 27, for which he was shortened to 8-1 (from 12), is next on the agenda for five-time Group-race scorer Defoe, who struck at the top level for the first time in the Coronation Cup at Epsom earlier this month.

Varian, celebrating his third Royal Ascot success, said: “Defoe is everyone’s favourite horse and he’s just hard not to like. He’s very straightforward, tries, always relaxed and getting better with age.

“It was a strong race on paper and he’s taken his form forward from Epsom. It was a tough performance and he’s such a lovely horse to train.

“He had a good attitude as a colt and it was Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s decision to geld him at the end of last season, which is possibly going to elongate the horse’s career.

Andrea Atzeni and Defoe following their Royal Ascot successCredit: Edward Whitaker

“We’ve always had faith in him being very capable to mix it with the best and hopefully we can bring him back for the King George. It has to be on the radar with a nice break between now and then and we’re excited for the rest of the season.”

It had been a testing week for winning rider Andrea Atzeni, who failed to strike on 15 earlier rides at the meeting, which made this triumph extra special.

Atzeni, mixing delight with relief, said: “It’s been a longish week but I did think my best rides came today and it’s great for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, who is a big supporter of mine and puts a lot of money into the game.

“Defoe has always had lots of talent but has turned the corner this year and is just getting better and better.”

For the must-have Royal Ascot and sports news, tips, photos and more follow the Racing Post across all social channels. Don't miss a beat