The ever consistent Youmzain ran on from the rear of the field to claim second in the Group One Juddmonte Coronation Cup, three quarters of a length behind Irish Derby winner Soldier Of Fortune.
The five-year-old, who was cut to 8/1 for the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Ascot, was settled at the back of the field before making his run in the home straight and was always closing at the line.
Trainer Mick Channon was pleased with the five-year-oldâs performance, saying: âYoumzainâs run a blinder again - he just needs everything to go right for him but heâs run a great race and Iâm very happy.
âHe went away from the whip a bit but that was an exception. Iâd imagine we will aim him at the King George now.â
Meanwhile, jockey Richard Hughes added: âThey went no gallop. Apart from the pacemakers, they walked and it didnât suit my lad. When I hit him on the left, he went right and when I switched it and hit him on the right, he went left.â
French trainer Andre Fabre, bidding for his seventh win in the race with 5/4 favourite Getaway, who unshipped rider Stephane Pasquier leaving the paddock, felt that his runner was beaten before being boxed in inside the final furlong.
The handler said of the fifth: âGetaway was beaten when he got checked. He just pulled too hard and never settled. He was beaten by better horses.â
