Second and third for Hawkbill and Racing History in Grosser Preis von Berlin

Hawkbill was collared inside the final furlong as he attempted to make all in the Grosser Preis von Berlin, with Racing History taking third in the 12-furlong G1 contest at Hoppegarten, Germany, on Sunday, August 13.

Four-year-old Hawkbill (Charlie Appleby/James Doyle), seeking a second G1 success after capturing the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park last year, was quickly into his stride and soon opened up a clear advantage over his six rivals.

He kicked for home with two furlongs to race and rallied strongly when pressed passing the furlong marker but was headed entering the final half-furlong to go down by a length to Dschingis Secret, who stayed on strongly to score in 2m 32.89s on good ground.

Five-year-old Racing History (Saeed bin Suroor/Gerald Mosse), who disputed second for much of the race, briefly lost his position at the top of the straight but battled back to take third with half a furlong left and kept on, coming home three and a half lengths behind Hawkbill.  

Charlie Appleby commented: “Hawkbill has posted another sold performance at G1 level.

“On the back of that run, we will head to Canada for the G1 Northern Dancer Turf Stakes (12f) at Woodbine on September 16.

“If he does well in that, then we could have a look at the G1 Canadian International (12f) at the same course on October 15.”

Saeed bin Suroor said: “Racing History ran a good race on his first appearance of the year.

“He will come on a lot for the run and we try to find another race over a mile and a half for him.”