Rain-softened ground spoiled trainer William Haggas’ plans at Epsom, however the forecast overnight rain came to little here and Mohaafeth was allowed to take his chance.
The 11/8 favourite was ridden with confidence throughout the 10-furlong contest. He was steered wide into the straight by Jim Crowley, before powering clear for a length and three-quarter success over Roman Empire (14/1), who was slightly impeded when the winner edged right inside the final furlong. Secret Protector (11/1) finished well for third, a further head behind.
Crowley was registering a 13th success at Royal Ascot while Haggas was scoring for the 11th time at the meeting. This was also a first Royal Ascot success for Shadwell Estate following the passing of Hamdan Al Maktoum earlier this year.
Haggas said while waiting for the stewards’ enquiry: “I don’t like the stewards’ enquiry. I have been on the wrong end of a few of those in my time and not got the race, so we will see and hope for the best.
“Mohaafeth definitely crossed the second, but I think he had a bit in hand. I think he won quite nicely.
“He is a pretty decent horse. His work has always been nice, and he loves quick ground, so I am delighted to win.
“I never thought it was the wrong decision [to miss Epsom], but obviously I was pleased when Jim came in and said it was absolutely the right decision not to run in the Derby. I think he showed he wasn’t actually powering away today, so maybe that’s his trip or even shorter, never mind longer.
“Jim said ‘I think this is his trip’. So, we will stick to a mile and a quarter, and I guess if ever we go one way, it might be shorter.
“Mohaafeth has not tackled an older horse yet, he has a lot to prove, but I think he has got some talent. I don’t make comparisons with any others, but he is a useful horse, is bred to be a nice horse and I thought he looked great today. He doesn’t look a stayer physically.
“He is in lots of things, including the Eclipse. It just can’t be soft or good to soft, he is a real quick ground horse.”
He added: “Sheikh Hamdan was great to all of us. He was a charming man and a huge supporter of British racing in particular. So to win here for his family, who hopefully now will take up the mantle and set Shadwell on its way – this is a great start and I hope for many, many more. I’m delighted because these colours have been very good to us for a long time.”
Crowley said: “We have always liked Mohaafeth.
“It was a funny race – they went flat out down to the bend and there was a lot of bouncing around in front of me going on.
“I ended up getting there way too soon on him, and he just sort of lugged into the rail, but he wasn’t doing a stroke in front.
“I think it was the right decision not to go to Epsom. On the day I was gutted, but I think long term it proved the right thing to do.”