Washington Heights Romps To Victory In Sweden

Bro Park in Sweden hosted their biggest meeting of the year and although it is not a the forefront of race planning, it may just well be now. Hambleton Racing have been big supporters of the meeting and this year Washington Heights was representing them in the 6f Bro Park Sprint Championship, a listed event which he ran away with.
Washington Heights’s career to this point has been one of excellent consistency but ultimately a tale of misfortune. He has been a star on the track of connections but hasn’t earned the big day which he has thoroughly deserved. Close second in the 2yo sales race last year started the trend. The this season he bumped into Shaquille (Champion Sprinter in waiting), the remarkable Quinault (who improved 43lbs this year) and Mill Stream (Group 3 winner). He could so easily have picked up one or even two valuable handicaps but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.
Heading to Sweden there was plenty of confidence that he should get the job done, although it was difficult to know just how tough the opposition was going to be. Hollie Doyle has good experience of the track and was booked for the ride, the second time in a row she partnered the 3yo. Wide, flat and with a good covering of grass, the track looked perfect and should hold no excuses for Washington.
Jumping well from the stalls, Washington Heights soon gave chase to the leader. It was a blistering pace early doors but Hollie had her mount positioned right on the leader’s girths. With the track providing quite tight turns, Washington Heights was positioned lovely throughout the contest.
Frankie Dettori’s mount has been sent off favourite for the contest but for a long way out the race was all about Washington Heights. The home straight was just over 2f and it was here that Hollie took complete control of the race. Washington Heights had traveled easily to this point, handling the tight turns and with a clear advantage over the fav.
The leader began to come under pressure entering the home straight and here Washington Heights quickly snatched the lead. Although not clear initially, the race was over now. Swedish rules prevent the use of a whip and Hollie had no qualms about this as hands and heels proved more than enough. Once she asked him to quicken, Washington Heights did just that and pulled clear readily.
Nothing got into the contest and the final 1 1/2f provided Washington Heights with a victory lap. Further and further he drew clear. It was a procession and he could have won by any margin. Crossing the line, Washington Heights had secured the listed success he deserved by an eased down 5 lengths.
This win was richly deserved and Washington Heights proved to be just in a different class to his rivals. It was fantastic for the horse and connections to gain this win. Obviously we will have to see how he comes out of the travel and this race before deciding on the next step. Something like the Coral Sprint or a listed event at home could well be the next step.