Kind Of Blue digs deep for Sprint success

Kind Of Blue upheld the family honour when coming out on top in the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot.

James Fanshawe’s colt is related to two winners of the race in Deacon Blues and The Tin Man, both trained from the same stable as him.

A 10-1 shot under James Doyle, the bay was running for the first time for new owners Wathnan Racing and duly delivered with an impressive success from Karl Burke’s Swingalong.

Kind Of Blue made smooth progress to take the lead but had to dig deep for a head success, with Flora Of Bermuda a further neck away in third.

Fanshawe said: “Today he has really gone and won it, and the last furlong was a long way. He came there at Haydock travelling well and just got done on the line.

“I have to thank (jockey) Daniel Muscutt who has put a lot of work into this horse and obviously with the new retainer it’s hard luck on him, but I have to express my gratitude for what he has done. Frank who rides him at home has been the other making of this horse as well.

“It’s a big team effort and everyone knows the story, it’s the third time we’ve won this race at this meeting. Deacon Blues won the first one, The Tin Man in 2016 and here we are now with his nephew.

“This one has shown more precocity than the other two who didn’t show their best until they were four. Being precocious means he has maintained his ability to be a stallion as well. We put him in the Commonwealth Cup before he had even run, so you were always hoping he was going to be pretty nice.

“He deserves this as he ran really well at Royal Ascot on only his third run and then ran such a good race at Haydock as well. He was really tough when he needed to be and it’s a great meeting which has been good to us and I’m really grateful for the big team effort at home.

“He’s exciting for next year as well, but of course I’m always a believer of just dealing with today.”

For Swingalong it was the third time she has been runner-up at the highest level this season, beaten less than half a length on each occasion.

Burke said: “Three seconds in Group Ones is a bit frustrating.

“She’s a fantastic filly, so consistent. That’s not really her ground but she’s so tough, she handles any ground really.

“It’s very deep, it’s probably the softest ground she’s ever run on, but once she’s in that rhythm she just doesn’t stop whatever the ground is.

“The million dollar question is if she stays in training and it’s up to her owner, Sheikh Juma. Whatever he decides to do, I’ll be happy.

“If she’d won today I’d have said she’s done enough to head for the paddocks, but there’s no reason why she can’t go on for another season because physically she is very sound, touch wood.

“I wouldn’t like to recommend either way. I’m delighted but frustrated in equal measure.”