Camelot Colt Impresses Marquand In Chester Vase

Youth Spirit (3c Camelot - Rocana, by Fastnet Rock) boosted his Classic claims when leading home a 1-2-3 for Coolmore Stud sires in the Group 3 Chester Vase on Wednesday.

A maiden winner and third in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes as a two-year-old, the Andrew Balding stepped up to a mile and a half for the first time at Chester and was ridden to track the leaders by Tom Marquand. Ridden approaching the turn for home, he ran on strongly to lead inside the final furlong and kept on well to win by a length and three quarters.

Irish raider Sandhurst (Galileo) was another stepping up in trip and ran on to finish second, as Listed winner Fancy Man (Pride Of Dubai) claimed third; the first three finishing seven lengths clear of the field.

Speaking after the race, the winning rider said, “I was really impressed with him. The question was whether he would stay a mile and a half and he’s answered that pretty well.” Anna Lisa Balding also added, “We’re so thrilled and we’ve always thought quite a lot of him.”

Owned by Ahmad Al Shaikh, Youth Spirit becomes Camelot’s second winner of the Chester Vase, following Sir Dragonet’s 2019 success. Bred by Ringfort Stud and Paul Hancock, the Epsom Derby hopefuly provides an exciting update for his half-brother by Australia, who sold for 125,000gns at last year’s foal sales.