Son Of Wootton Bassett Wins Group 3 On Australian Bow

Protagonist (6g Wootton Bassett - Sagariya, by Shamardal) made a perfect start to his Australian adventure when beating a host of Group 1 performers in the Group 3 Sky High Stakes at Rosehill.

Racing over the ten furlong trip over which he proved progressive last season, the William Haggas-trained bay was held up in the early stages by James McDonald and took up the running from a furlong out. Ridden out in the closing stages, he dug deep to deny a late challenge by a nose on the line.

“He was good, he’s a nice solid galloper,” said McDonald after the race.“He handles himself beautifully and I think he’ll improve a bit off that as well. When they got to him he found a gear, so that was impressive.”

Protagonist would now be aimed at the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes next month, according to trainer William Haggas. Owned by Australian Bloodstock, the son of Wootton Bassett becomes the first Stakes winner bred by Pierre Cornou out of the mare Sagariya.