Haggas On A High In Wokingham

High Standing (right) snatches the Wokingham.

High Standing came with a devastating late run under champion jockey Ryan Moore to grab the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The 6-1 chance, trained by William Haggas, got his nose in front in the last few strides on the far side to deny Frankie Dettori on Asset in this six-furlong handicap.

Rock Of Rochelle was third with long-time leader Markab fourth.

Markab was quickly away and took the near side group along with Beaver Patrol and Van Bossed well there in the early stages.

On the far side, Joseph Henry and Striking Spirit were up with the pace.

And it was the horses drawn high that had the edge with Asset going for home in the final furlong, only for High Standing to strike late to take the spoils by three-quarters of a length. Irish raider Rock Of Rochelle was two and a half lengths back in third.

Haggas said: "He's gone up in the weights for the future and had a 5lb penalty so effectively he was 2lb well in. I was a bit concerned he might not get in the race then I was very concerned about the draw.

"A high draw has been terrible all week. Today the middle was good ground and the far side was dry so we might have got lucky with the draw.

"I think he's a pretty useful horse and now he'll go straight into better company."

Harry Findlay, who owns the winner in partnership with Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom, added: "We were always going to come off the pace so we needed pace around us. William and Ryan are a deadly combination and the way the race unfolded, everything was perfect.

"William nominated the Wokingham as a plan from the day we bought him at the sales and I can't thank him enough.

"I'm more of a jumping man and I am so pleased to get Tony a winner as he comes here every year and a lot of his family are over from Australia.

"He has bankrolled Brighton football club for the next 10 years so this is great and I am sure he has got a real buzz out of that."

Moore added: "I wanted to drop him out and get him into a nice rhythm, but he was first out of the stalls so I had to take him back. At the two pole I made a move towards the far rail and he quickened up really well close home."

Connections of Asset were delighted with the six-year-old's performance in finishing second under joint top weight.

Simon Crisford, racing manager to Godolphin, said: "From his high draw we had no alternative but to remain on the far side and he's run a big race, carrying all that weight and giving weight to the winner."

Irish trainer Andrew Kinsella, responsible for the third, Rock Of Rochelle, said: "That is the highlight of my career so far. The straight track and the travelling over has brought him alive.

"I think he has now earned a break and I won't be looking at Goodwood for him."