Smart Maiden Winner Continues Terrific Run For The Gurkha

The Gurkha’s fine run continued on Wednesday when Afghany (3c The Gurkha - Texaloula, by Kendor) ran out a stylish winner of the mile maiden at Clairefontaine.

A promising second on debut in April, the Fabrice Chappet-trained colt was narrowly beaten on his next two starts and was reunited with Mickael Barzalona to go one better on Wednesday. Racing towards the back of the field for much of the way, he made headway entering the straight and was ridden to lead approaching the final furlong. Keeping on well, he won by three lengths, with another two lengths back to the third horse.

Bred by SCEA Des Prairies, Afghany continues a fine run for The Gurkha, with the Dermot Weld-trained Malayan having won her second start at the Galway Festival, while fellow juvenile Way To Win (The Gurkha) scored by an impressive 11 lengths on Saturday; the same day that Imperial Fighter (The Gurkha) made a winning debut at Goodwood.