Hardwicke could be next for Hamish after rewarding Haggas team in Ormonde Stakes

Thursday: Ormonde Stakes, Chester

The fragile Hamish rewarded all the hard work at William Haggas's Newmarket stable and beyond when showcasing his undoubted talent to gain his second Group 3 success.

Plagued by a serious tendon injury which required 14 months off the track, Hamish has missed multiple big dates, but he returned last autumn to beat Hukum in the September Stakes at Kempton and proved himself to be as good as ever on his first run as a six-year-old.

Maureen Haggas, wife and assistant to the winning trainer, was beaming with pride after a horse she rides every day overhauled longtime leader Thunderous close home under Tom Marquand.

"He's an absolute star and I love him to bits," she said. "He's just a character and he's naughty. He's done really well because he was a little bit fresh and would have needed it. We haven't been on the grass at all because the ground has been so firm. He had the penalty as well."

Watch again: Hamish reels in Thunderous to score at Chester

It was a long road back for Hamish following his progressive 2019 campaign, after which he ran only once in the next two years, but with the help of a rival trainer the Haggas team nursed him back to full health.

"He had a proper tendon and was off for a long time," said Haggas. "Alan King was brilliant as he went to his vet who does all the rehab for the jumping injuries. Alan very kindly kept popping in to see him because the vet was next door and she did a brilliant job. Laura Thomas looked after him and was also brilliant, so it's been a huge team effort to get him back."

Owned and bred by Haggas's father Brian, Hamish's late absence from the last two editions of the Ebor would have particularly frustrated the Yorkshiremen, and although the winner holds an entry in next week's Yorkshire Cup, he is set to go to Royal Ascot next provided he gets his preferred softer ground.

"I walked the course here and thought the drying ground couldn't be that bad with all the rain yesterday and it's going to be better for him here than York next week," Haggas added.

"I'd imagine he'd go for the Hardwicke but we'll see because it all depends on the ground. If it's firm he won't be going anywhere, he'll stay at home and be annoying."

Marquand mounted his challenge on the turn for home and in contrast to 10-11 favourite Albaflora, who wilted out of contention to finish fifth, Hamish powered home to score a shade cosily.

"To win off a layoff is great for everyone around him as he's a character," said the jockey. "He tests patience at times but everyone has been rewarded and he's a testament to the level everyone at Sommerville Lodge takes it to."

Thunderous, who won the Dante two years ago, could head to Ascot for a rematch.

"The winner has won fair and square, but the blinkers had the desired effect and we were trying to come back at him," said joint-trainer Charlie Johnston.

"The Hardwicke is the obvious Ascot race for him but I'm sure we'll go over a mile and six and the Irish St Leger is probably his big target of the year."

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