Hadaatha defied both her inexperience and a lengthy lay off to land the Listed EBF At The Races John Musker Fillies’ Stakes at Yarmouth.
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Hadaatha: Made a winning return to action
A winner at Newmarket on her debut in April, Roger Varian’s charge was last seen when finishing third to subsequent Classic-placed runner Volume in a Newbury Listed race in May.
Kept to that level on her return, Hadaatha (100/30) was slow to break but made significant strides for Paul Hanagan, staying on well in the closing stages of the 10-furlong heat to edge out Albasharah by three-quarters of a length.
Wall Of Sound was a further head back in third in a thrilling finish.
Hanagan said: “I felt for her because she was drawn one and she had to wait quite a while (in the stalls) for the others to come in. The last horse was playing up and she was in there long enough, she was wasn’t very well away and I just had to sit there and suffer really.
“You have to remember she’s still a baby, but her attitude is lovely.
“I’ve been riding her at home quite a lot and she has that change of gear. She’s got a bit of class so I was able to ride her confidently.
“She just pricked her ears in front, so I gave her a flick and she went again.”
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A home-bred daughter of Sea The Stars out of Classic-placed Hathrah, Varian was satisfied to see the filly triumph for owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum.
Varian said: “It was good. I was just talking with Richard (Hills, assistant racing manager) and you forget she’s only run twice in her life and she hasn’t run since May. I thought it was a really good performance to beat those more seasoned fillies.
“We’ve always thought she’s quite a good filly – even last year when we didn’t get a run into her. It’s nice we’ve managed to get her back after a break and she’s won a stakes race.
“I’m delighted for the filly and Sheikh Hamdan of course.”
