Australian horse Criterion was placed fifth after the Group 1 Prince of Wales’ Stakes (2000m) at Royal Ascot overnight.
Given a dream run settling second behind leader and Australian-owned Gailo Chop, Criterion lost touch but continued to fight to the line.
The race was run on a firm surface that isn’t his best chance against a strong field, Criterion was competitive without ever looking the winner. Free Eagle held off The Grey Gatsby by a half head in a good finish.
“I thought it was a pass mark without raving,” trainer David Hayes said to Racing.com, of Criterion’s 3.5-length fifth.
“You come to England, it normally rains doesn’t it? But he’s a sound horse and I thought he was game because it looked like he was going to get beaten a good margin. He kept kicking back, he was OK.”
Jockey Chad Schofield told Racing UK he was hopeful with Criterion before praising his quality in hanging on.
“The leader (Gailo Chop) rolled off the fence and gave me a beautiful run up through on the inside,” said Schofield.
“He came off the bridle nicely like he was going to sprint and be right in the finish.
“Then he sort of peaked on his run a bit but I thought he was brave to keep battling the way he did.”
The winner, Free Eagle, was trained by Dermont Weld, giving him his 17th Royal victory. He told Racing UK his concern was the preparation for the horse.
“Fitness was by main concern as he hadn’t run for nine months,” Weld said.
“He got a heavy head cold a few weeks ago and I thought today was very much in doubt, but we got him right on the day that mattered. I had to rush him, he’s up there with the best I’ve ever had.
“I’d say we will go to the Irish Champion Stakes and I’ve always thought the Arc (de Triomphe) would be the race for him.”
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