Brilliant Broome Leads The Home In Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes

Broome (6h Australia - Sweepstake, by Acclamation) was not for catching in Saturday’s Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, and in turn became a fifth Royal winner of the week for Aidan O’Brien.

The likeable bay led from the early stages of the mile and a half contest, and was asked to quicken from three furlongs out. Ridden from two furlongs out, he kept on strongly under Ryan Moore to win by three and a quarter lengths, as Mostahdaf and market leader Hurricane Lane did their best to narrow the gap.

“He put up an excellent performance today,” Ryan Moore said after the race. “He was in a great rhythm and was fantastic. I couldn't have been happier with him.”

A delighted Aidan O’Brien added, “He's a very good horse and he's six now, and it's a very strange thing, but he seems to be peaking. It's incredible. He's got a very high cruising speed and doesn't surrender.” Looking to the future, O’Brien continued, “The King George and then Japan Cup later on are possibilities.”

Saturday marked an eighth career win for Broome, with seven of those coming at Stakes level, most notably in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. The son of Australia is owned by M Matsushima, Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith. Bought by MV Magnier as a yearling for 150,000gns, the Epona Bloodstock-bred entire is a full-brother to three-time Stakes winner and Group 1 second Point Lonsdale (Australia).