Trainer Marcus Tregoning was left celebrating as Mohaather produced a late surge to claim the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday.
The son of Showcasing looked short of room after turning for home, but jockey Jim Crowley decided to switch him to the outside for a clear run.
Siskin and Circus Maximus looked like they would contest the top two, but Crowley timed his challenge to perfection and Mohaather showed a tremendous turn of foot to win his biggest race to date.
Wednesday’s success was Tregoning’s first Group One success since 2006, and he says it was worth the wait.
He told ITV Racing: “I thought we’d give it a go as he’s a good judge and we liked his pedigree. It was a tactical race, we thought it would be, and I don’t blame anyone for that, it’s just racing. He struggled to get out, he isn’t the biggest, but Jim kept calm in the knowledge he has that massive kick.
“If he’d got out earlier he’d have won very easily – he won easily anyway. He’s a lovely horse. We love Goodwood, and it’s a big day for the team, a big day for Sheikh Hamdan who is a very good owner to train for. He takes adversity very well, and it’s instilled something in me. It makes you a better trainer.”
