Hurricane Lane third on comeback in G2 Hardwicke Stakes

Hurricane Lane made an encouraging return to action as he finished third in the G2 Hardwicke Stakes on day five of Royal Ascot, Saturday, 18 June.

The three-time G1 winner broke on terms and soon tracked Solid Stone in third, with Broome tacking over to lead the eight runners after racing wide for the first quarter-mile.

William Buick switched out Hurricane Lane at the top of the straight and the Frankel colt stayed on to go second approaching the two-furlong marker.

Hurricane Lane could not challenge Broome in the straight and kept on at the same pace in the closing stages, with Mostahdaf moving up to second inside the final furlong.

Charlie Appleby said: “We haven’t hidden anything about what our thought processes are - we’re working back from October, very much so. We feel Hurricane Lane is our Arc horse and, with the ground being as quick as it was, I said to William Buick ‘don’t forget, if it’s not happening for him, look after him round there’.

“But William said he travelled into it well, his action just shortened a bit, he said he just went through his girths and just got tired. The ground was quick enough for him - he does move better when there’s ease in the ground - we all know that.

“More importantly, he took two match-fit horses on as well. They’ve gone a good gallop - Ryan Moore has gone out there and set a good stall on Broome, and I’m pleased. It’s always encouraging - it’s the same from two to three or three to four, their first run, you’re just glad they have still got their enthusiasm.”