Adayar sparkles on Doncaster comeback

Adayar set himself up for some significant autumn targets with an effortless victory in a Doncaster conditions race on Thursday, 8 September.

The Frankel colt proved an outstanding three-year-old in 2021 with G1 victories in the Derby and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes but had missed his early season targets following a minor setback.

Held up at the rear of the three runners, Adayar cruised into the lead entering the final quarter-mile and readily went clear under William Buick to score by nearly four lengths in the 10-furlong contest.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “You are always a bit apprehensive when a horse has had such an extended time off, while this was Adayar’s first run from three to four. Full credit to the team at home, who have done a great job.

“We had seen what we wanted to see at home and today was a perfect gallop. Whether we decide to go for the Arc or the Champion Stakes will be discussed over the coming weeks, but I didn’t want him to have a hard race here because then you have the bounce factor to consider.

“It’s normally testing ground in the autumn and going into those big races with fresh legs is always an advantage. We couldn’t have been any happier with him going into today but, more importantly, he has enjoyed himself round there, which is fantastic.”