Al Qareem Not For Passing With Cumberland Lodge Hat-trick

Al Qareem made it three successive wins in the BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot with the type of determined front-running efficiency that has actually become his trademark.


Karl Burke's stalwart has actually now won 12 of his 34 races, declaring over ₤ 700,000 in reward cash for his owners, the Nick Bradley Racing syndicate.


While never ever enabled to completely do his own thing in front, Clifford Lee kicked for home early in the straight to make it a real stamina test, and although Hamish looked to be travelling highly it soon ended up being clear Al Qareem had plenty left.


The evergreen six-year-old (9-4), galloped on strongly despite the headwind to win by six lengths from Tenability, a stablemate of Hamish, who stayed on for second.


Burke said: "He set up a fantastic, hard efficiency. We understand he's a brave horse and he went hard.


"I said to do not be afraid to go hard, especially out of Swinley Bottom, as he could nick a couple of lengths and get the others at it since all he does is keep galloping. You can do that over a mile and a half on soft ground and whereas one-mile-six is probably his true journey, anything above that he simply runs out of endurance.


Al Qareem won the Cumberland Lodge for a 3rd time (Steven Paston/PA)


"He's a great warrior and it's a terrific result."


Burke, who likewise won the Sun Chariot at Newmarket with Fallen Angel, continued his unbelievable current run of big-race success when Native Warrior (9-4 favourite) took the ₤ 180,000 BetMGM Challenge Cup.


Jamie Spencer was on board, just as he was when winning another valuable reward over course and distance last month.


Burke stated: "It was a fantastic efficiency and he's constantly threatened to do what he's carried out in his last 2. I believe the visor has made the difference and Jamie on the straight track at Ascot is a master.


"Everything has fallen right for him the last twice and he will go back to Ascot now for the Balmoral on Champions Day.


"He'll have a 6lb charge however is in terrific type at present."