Godolphin one two in King George V Handicap led by impressive Atty Persse

Atty Persse, trained by Roger Charlton and partnered by Kieran Shoemark, was the impressive victor of the 18-runner King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot on Thursday, June 22 and gave Godolphin a fifth success so far at the 2017 Royal Meeting.

The three-year-old son of Frankel, who led over two out and quickened away, beat Dubawi colt First Nation, trained by Charlie Appleby with William Buick up, by three lengths. The winning time was 2m 31.68s.

Roger Charlton said: “They went very quick and you had to think whether Atty Persse would have the petrol left to keep going, but he had lots left. He stayed on really well – stamina is a strong thing with this horse.

“He ran well at Haydock last time [finished second] but they quickened from the front that day and he never really got there. 

“They didn’t go much of a pace that day and clearly, what we have seen today is a horse that stays a mile and a half really well.

“The handicapper put him up after Haydock, so they didn’t think it was a bad performance, even if everyone else was disappointed. It was a good effort today and where we go next, we will see.

“I had Frankel’s first Stakes winner and now I have had his first Royal Ascot winner.

“Atty Persse is very easy to train. For a little horse, he has a very long stride.

“The jockey is good. You have to have trust and faith in people and he is a good rider, I am lucky to have him.”

Kieran Shoemark, an apprentice rider, added: “Atty Persse made my job easy today. He had lots of early speed. They went a level gallop the whole way and I was actually really surprised how much he quickened up with three furlongs to go. 

“It probably shows he will get a mile and six furlongs in time; he’s obviously by Frankel but I think he will like the staying trips in time. I think having the cheek-pieces on first time today helped me a lot; they gave me the early speed and he was switched on and ready to race.

“I think he can step up to Pattern company – he’s done this pretty easily. His work’s always good at home; he always saves a little bit, never does too much and you are never sure quite where you are with him at home, but today he’s proved he’s a nice horse. Look, he’s won by three lengths – you can’t ask much more than that here at Ascot.

“It’s fantastic to have a winner here for an owner like Sheikh Mohammed; it really does mean a lot.”