Skip to content

David Evans hoping Rohaan gets Hong Kong invite after brave effort at Ascot in British Champions Sprint

Rohaan has been entered in Hong Kong after finishing fourth behind Kinross in British Champions Sprint at Ascot on Saturday; trainer David Evans: "He is probably the nicest horse I've ever had and it is nice to have him. He will get there one day, I think"

Ryan Moore and Rohaan win the Wokingham Stakes
Image: Ryan Moore and Rohaan win the 2022 Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot

David Evans is hoping Rohaan will head to Hong Kong after finishing a close-up fourth to Kinross in the British Champions Sprint on Saturday.

Winner of the Bengough Stakes over the same six furlongs at the Berkshire track on his penultimate start, Adam Kirby's mount was far from disgraced in his bid to break his Group One duck.

Though the consistent hold-up sprinter 'won' his race on the far side of the track, he was ultimately beaten by the draw, finishing three lengths behind the winner.

Vertem Futurity Trophy live on Sky Sports Racing
Vertem Futurity Trophy live on Sky Sports Racing

Watch as next year's Classic contenders do battle in the Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster, live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday, October 22

Evans said: "It was a bit awkward, really. We didn't really know which side they were going to go and we didn't have the pace to chase.

"Adam got there just right to beat them, but had he been drawn on Kinross' side, while he may not have won, he'd have been second without a doubt.

"He has come back fine. He always does, touch wood."

Crystal Palace defender James Tomkins and Rohaan
Image: Crystal Palace defender James Tomkins co-owns Rohaan

Winner of nine of his 28 races, the four-year-old son of Mayson could receive an invitation to race abroad over the winter, with the Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on December 11 circled on the calendar.

Also See:

Evans said: "He has an entry for Hong Kong - the entries closed today, so he is in that, but we will have to get an invite.

"So I don't know where he will go at the moment, it is up to the owners.

"If he got an invite to Hong Kong, it would be silly not to go. We didn't get an invite to the Breeders' Cup."

The best in the world head for the Breeders' Cup!
The best in the world head for the Breeders' Cup!

Watch every race from the Breeders' Cup at Keeneland live on Sky Sports Racing on November 4-5

The trainer believes the gelding, who was placed in the Sprint Cup at Haydock last month, thrives on his racing and is already looking forward to next season.

"I don't think anyone has seen the best of him," added Evans. "We have got the hang of him now. He is easy to train and he stands his racing exceptionally well - he has been on the go all year.

The remarkable Rohaan wins the Wokingham
Image: Rohaan in winning action at Royal Ascot last year

"He doesn't take a lot out of himself. He just travels into a race and then does his little spurt.

"He is an easy horse who has got ability. He is probably the nicest horse I've ever had and it is nice to have him. He will get there one day, I think."

Around Sky