Tashkhan ran an absolute blinder to finish second to Trueshan in the Group 2, Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup on Champions Day at Ascot yesterday.
Ben gave the three-year-old Born To Sea gelding a cracking ride, positioning him closer to the pace on this occasion, having been tapped for toe before staying on strongly again in the last half furlong to finish fifth, beaten just over three lengths, in the Group 2, Qatar Prix Chaudenay at Longchamp two weeks earlier.
Tashkhan, who was purchased privately out of Ireland by David Appleton, and is owned by Patrick Boyle, has progressed more than we could have ever imagined and it is fantastic for everyone. Patrick has been involved in racing for many years but it was only this year, with Gordon’s Jet, he enjoyed his first winner.
As published on RaceNews (@RacenewsService) Ben and Brian said after the race:
Ben: “Tashkhan ran really well. He was a horse coming into the race at a big price. He ran well out in Paris two weekends ago. He’s a horse for the future, he’s only three years old. Whatever he does now, he will only improve.
Brian: “It was fantastic. Tashkhan is only three and has improved with every run this year. He ran a mighty race in Longchamp and we came here today thinking we could be in the first four. He has just run a blinder. Trueshan is a brilliant horse.
“We bought Tashkan to go jumping, but that is not happening now! He’ll run in all the best races next year.”
(pic with regular rider Harry Russell)
