Ampadu strikes with authority in G3 Sekiya Kinen

Ampadu made up for lost time with a commanding win on his first Graded Stakes appearance in the G3 Sekiya Kinen at Niigata, Japan, on Sunday, 26 July. 

The UK-bred five-year-old, who is from the same family as multiple G1 winners Master Of The Seas and Cascadian, was stepping up in class having won four of his six starts, including Stakes victories at Niigata and Tokyo. 

Having broken on terms in the mile contest, Mirai Iwata steadied Ampadu towards the rear and settled the Tetsuya Kimura-trained runner in 11th on the inner rail after the first quarter-mile. 

Ampadu stuck to the inside throughout and started to make progress three furlongs out before quickening strongly on the heavy ground to grab the lead from Cranford approaching the final furlong. The Iffraaj entire streaked clear in the closing stages and was eased close home to score by five lengths. 

Harry Sweeney, President of Godolphin in Japan, said: “Ampadu is a very consistent and exciting colt, who was very impressive today. He has now won five of his seven starts and, other than his start in February this year when he inexplicably ran badly, he has either won or finished second.

“We are excited about his future. He has only had seven starts as a five-year-old due to the fact that he sustained a fractured cannon after his debut and required surgery with numerous screws. He was off the track for nearly 16 months, but he has recovered fully and proved very consistent throughout his career. 

“He will head for the G1 Mile Championship at Kyoto in the autumn, although he may take in a race beforehand. We expect him to be competing against Off Trail in the Mile Championship, who will also be carrying the Godolphin silks.”