New London runner-up in G1 St Leger as Eldar Eldarov triumphs
New London was promoted to second in the stewards’ room following an evenful running of the G1 St Leger at Doncaster as Eldar Eldarov gave trainer Roger Varian his second win in England’s oldest classic on Sunday which had been postponed for a day as racing paid its respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The Charlie Appleby-trained colt headed into the final Classic of the UK season having won four of his five starts, including a dominant display in the G3 Gordon Stakes on his latest appearance.
New London soon disputed third on the outside of Haskoy as the duo tracked Lizzie Jean, with leader French Claim charting a wide course for the majority of the extended 14-furlong contest.
Haskoy took up the running as French Claim faded passing the three-furlong pole, but the lightly raced filly drited on to the far rail two furlongs out, forcing Giavelloto to be snatched up.
New London meanwhile made his challenge towards the centre of the course and stayed on with fellow Dubawi colt Eldar Eldarov to press Haskoy over a furlong from home.
Eldar Eldarov and Haskoy went clear of New London inside the final furlong, with the Godolphin homebred rallying to see off Giavelloto near the line. Eldar Eldarov took the spoils, with Haskoy demoted to fourth from second for impeding Giavelloto.
Appleby said: “It was a good race from New London. William [Buick] said aterwards that he stayed the trip but would have been happier on a sounder surface. Take nothing away from the winner, who has outstayed us. It was a solid run from New London, who should develop into a nice four-year-old.”
William Buick said: “New London ran very well but is much beter on quicker ground. You are always worried when the ground is like today [good to sot] because he is a class horse and a beautiful mover. I thought he stayed OK and he is just a horse who needs beter ground. Once he gets those conditions, you will see him quicken.
“We had a smooth run round. New London is a very uncomplicated horse and we were challenging at the right time. I think the winner followed us and we have no complaints.”
Earlier on the same card, a ls uh ail produced another pleasing effort over his optimum seven-furlong trip as he finished third in the G2 Park Stakes.
Last season’s G2 Challenge Stakes winner, making his second European appearance of the year for Charlie Appleby, broke smartly under William Buick and led the six runners.
Al Suhail increased the tempo as the field migrated towards the far rail approaching the final quarter-mile and rallied when Kinross moved up to dispute the running a furlong and a half out.
Kinross took control from Al Suhail passing the furlong-pole, with New Energy geting up for second in the closing strides.
Appleby said: “Al Suhail ran a good, solid race. We will look how he comes out of this and might think about heading back for the Challenge Stakes.”
ELDAR ELDAROV WINS : Britain’s longest serving monarch -- who died aged 96 on Thursday -- won the St Leger in 1977 with her filly Dunfermline.
Racing was the sport she was most closely associated with and the authorities had halted race meetings on Thursday and held none on either Friday or Saturday.
There was a two-minute silence prior to racing beginning at Doncaster with jockeys and trainers bowing their heads before a rendition of the national anthem.
“There is an emptiness as we lost a great friend and ambassador in the Queen,” said jockey Frankie Detori, who rode for her on many occasions.
The exuberant Italian was not to taste success in the St Leger, indeed although he finished second he was subsequently disqualified and placed fourth.
It was David Egan, who took the jockey honours in a convincing win for the Bahrain-owned Eldar Eldarov, who is named ater an MMA fighter.
Egan -- sporting like the other jockeys black armbands -- rose from his saddle as he passed the winning post waving his whip wildly in the air in celebration.
Varian -- who won the 2014 St Leger with Kingston Hill -- was keener to praise horse and jockey than take the plaudits himself.
“David is one of the nicest guys you’d wish to meet. He takes defeat in good grace and is sensible in his victories,” said Varian.
“He’s (Eldar Eldarov) very tough and has great stamina, he needed all that today. He’s impossible not to like and he’s got a big heart.”
The Charlie Appleby-trained New London headed into the final Classic of the UK season having won four of his five starts, including a dominant display in the G3 Gordon Stakes on h is latest appearance