Dubai
Rajasinghe emulated his sire and legendary Australian sprinter Choisir, to win a thrilling renewal of the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday,
Steve Donohoe brushed aside a dislocated finger to provide trainer Richard Spencer with a career-high first Royal winner.
Rajasinghe dined Headway, Havana Gold and Murillo, by a head and a neck, in Britain’s first juvenile Group race of the season.
“He was a bit reluctant to start and didn’t really get into it,” said Donohoe, who claimed a first Royal winner in track-record time.
“He came good about 1 1/2 furlongs out, he stayed well and I think he was more impressive than it looked. He’s a big horse, he’s a kind goer and is full of life at home. We love him to bits, he’ll progress again and will be a fantastic horse going forward.”
It was only the ninth career winner for Richard Spencer.
Meanwhile, Wesley Ward’s Lady Aurelia won for the second time at Ascot. ripping home a winner of the King’s Stand Stakes.
“She loves it over here,” says Ward. “She loves it. We’re looking forward to a big summer. It comes down to fast horses and I’m very blessed to have them.”
Jockey John Velazquez was stepping in for the injured Frankie Dettori aboard the American raider.
