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Armor dazzles for Al Shaqab in Markel Molecomb Stakes

Horse Racing | Press Article 17/04/24

3.00pm Markel Molecomb Stakes (Group 3)

The Richard Hannon-trained Armor (6/1) quickened impressively to win the five-furlong G3 Markel Molecomb Stakes for juveniles.

Jockey Ryan Moore sat behind the early pace and, when a gap appeared on the stands’ side rail, the son of No Nay Never lengthened smartly to go clear of his rivals.

The 13/8 favourite Fearby was quickly left behind by the authoritative winner, going down by three and a quarter lengths, with Boonie (9/1) a further three-quarters of a length back in third.

Hannon, registering his 20th success at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, said: “We have always thought a lot of Armor and he worked very well on Sunday morning.

“He ran very well at Royal Ascot even though he still looked a little inexperienced, and he's won very well there.

“He was tapped for speed a little bit coming down to the furlong and a half marker, but he would have loved that ground. Ryan [Moore] said he would like the ground, I think he knows what he's on about, and he did.

“I've not made too many flash entries for him but we'll look at something like the Prix Morny now, maybe the Flying Childers. He's not a big horse. This is his year and, if he makes a three-year-old, then great, but he is good enough now.

“He will get six furlongs and we'll have to have a go at a Group 1 race over that trip now."

Moore said: “Armor is a nice little colt. I liked him when I rode him at Doncaster. He ran a good race at Ascot and this race went well for him. He was very impressive."

PJ McDonald said of the runner-up: “Fearby has run a brilliant race. He is an honest little horse who has never run a bad race and there is more to come from him. I challenged on the wing, and he handled the ground, but he would be better on better ground.”

3.00pm Markel Molecomb Stakes (Group 3)

  1. Armor (Al Shaqab Racing) Richard Hannon 2-9-01 Ryan Moore 6/1
  2. Fearby (Clarendon Thoroughbred Racing) Ed Bethell 2-9-01 PJ McDonald 13/8 fav
  3. Boonie (Seymour Bloodstock & Mark Balnaves) Kevin Ryan 2-9-01 Kevin Stott 9/1
    11 ran

    Richard Hannon - 20th Qatar Goodwood Festival winner
    Ryan Moore - 53rd Qatar Goodwood Festival winner