The Tom Clover-trained Celsius captured the final race of Ladies’ Day the Qatar Goodwood Festival, the £25,000 Tatler Handicap over five furlongs.
Ridden by PJ McDonald, the three-year-old son of Dragon Pulse snatched victory on the line by a short-head over the Paul Cole-trained Mercenary Rose (25/1) in second.
A delighted Clover, recording his first success at the Qatar Goodwood Festival and first at the track, said: “Celsius as you can see, is quite a keen horse hence the gelding operation along with the use of a hood and a tongue-tie.
“Celsius has learned to settle. We were struggling with him in the spring in trying to each him how to settle. He has improved with every run and the team at home have done a great job with the horse.
“This race has been something that we have been targeting. We thought the easy five furlongs would suit him, but in time we think he will get six furlongs.
“He’ll go to York for the Ebor Festival next.”
5.20pm Tatler Handicap, 5f
1 Celsius (J Collins, C Fahy & S Piper) Tom Clover 3-8-09 P J McDonald 11/2
2 Mercenary Rose (Frank Stella) Paul Cole 3-8-05 David Egan 25/1
3 Lufricia (Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum) Roger Varian 3-9-03 Andrea Atzeni 13/2
4 Tinto (D James, S Jenkins & M Quigley) Amanda Perrett 3-9-03 Pat Dobbs 14/1
9/2 fav Amplify (12th)
16 ran
Time: 57.24s
Distances: sh, 1½, ¾
Tote Win: £6.50 Places: £1.90, £6.80, £2.00, £3.40 Exacta: £234.20
Breeding: ch g Dragon Pulse (IRE) – Grecian Artisan (IRE) (Mastercraftsman (IRE))
Breeder: Owenstown Stud
Tom Clover – 1st Goodwood winner
P J McDonald – 10th Goodwood winner (6th at Qatar Goodwood Festival)