Lord Glitters beats Barney Roy, Magny Cours and Fev Rover to land £500,000 Bahrain International Trophy at Sakhir for David O'Meara and Jason Watson; eight-year-old grey wins at 40/1 to bounce back from disappointing last in QEII at Ascot
Friday 19 November 2021 14:44, UK
Lord Glitters swooped late to run out a shock winner of the Bahrain International Trophy in a thrilling finish at Sakhir.
David O'Meara's 40/1 shot, who had finished last of 10 in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot last month, bounced back to form to take the £500,000 contest.
Godolphin duo Barney Roy and Magny Cours looked to be fighting out the finish after delivering a challenge on the outside of long-time leader Pogo.
But, O'Meara's imposing eight-year-old grey, under a well-timed ride from jockey Jason Watson, kept on strongest out wide, joined the pair and moved past just as the line loomed.
After disappointing efforts over the mile trip at Haydock in September and on Champions Day at Ascot, Lord Glitters appeared to relish the test of an extra two furlongs.
It is the gelding's first victory since landing the Group One Jebel Hatta at Meydan in March.
Charlie Appleby's well-fancied 2/1 favourite Zakouski disappointed back in tenth, while Richard Fahey's three-year-old Fev Rover was an admirable fourth under Paddy Mathers.
O'Meara said: "He's not getting any younger - he's rising nine. To come out here and give a penalty away to all these is brilliant.
"We came here last year and finished fifth and felt we had a bit of unfinished business. We got behind a little bit and in a steadily-run race, it was won off the front.
"Today, there was a lot of talk it was going to be well-run, which we were delighted to hear.
"Coming abroad and winning any big race is brilliant. Coming out here is class."
The trainer was also keen to praise Watson's part in the victory adding: "Jason is a hell of a talent. He's substituting for Danny (Tudhope) today, who is off injured, and he's done a fantastic job."
Watson said: "I came out here with a lot of nerves. I wouldn't call myself a nervous rider or someone who gets too worried about big days, but this horse is so important to the yard back home and to David and the connections.
"To ride a champion like him, and now to go and win on him, is just an honour really.
"There was always going to be a lot of pace in the race, which was always going to suit us.
"Fair play to the horse - I couldn't have asked him to do any more."
