Blue Bajan wins Henry II prize

Big prize for trainer O'Meara

Last updated: 26th May 2011   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Blue Bajan Sandown

Blue Bajan comes home in front at Sandown on Thursday night

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Blue Bajan (4-1) confirmed his new lease of life as he claimed the Charles Heidsieck Champagne Henry II Stakes at Sandown on Thursday night.

An unlucky sixth in the Chester Cup on his first run for over a year and then second in the Yorkshire Cup, the nine-year-old was giving up-and-coming trainer David O'Meara his biggest career success, a comment which also applies to rider Danny Tudhope.

Held up early and always travelling well as last year's winner Akmal gave way, Tudhope had every move covered inside the final quarter-mile as the field came over to the stands side.

Holberg made smooth progress to the turn for home and while he had every chance for Frankie Dettori, the 6-4 favourite had to settle for third as Montaff stayed on to chase the winner home, two and a lengths in arrears.

Train

O'Meara said: "He had been off a long time and finished like a train in the Chester Cup and ran so well in the Yorkshire Cup, but I was a bit worried I was running him back a bit quick. This is better than ever.

"He looks like one of the better stayers in the country now and the owner Dr Hollowood said tongue in cheek we'd think about supplementing for the Gold Cup if he ran well."

Hollowood added: "It's a lot of money (£25,000) to supplement and we'll let this sink in and have a think, but he might deserve a shot."

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