William Haggas considering Hamish plans

William Haggas is pondering his options for popular stalwart Hamish after he registered his second win of the year at Chester earlier this month.

The nine-year-old, who continues to prove age is simply a number, has only been seen twice this term, as the Somerville Lodge team maintain their policy of hunting out the gelding’s preferred soft ground.

However, his rare outings have been worth the wait and after scooping Listed honours at both Goodwood and now Chester this term, he has 14 wins from 26 career starts.

His longevity is a testament to his connections’ careful handling and with the rain beginning to make an impact at the end of a dry season, the son of Motivator could try to enhance his CV before the current campaign ends.

“He’s marvellous and I don’t know where he will run next but he’s in a few races,” said Haggas.

“He might run in the Cumberland Lodge (at Ascot, October 4) but that might come a bit quick, we’ll have to see. As we know he’s one who needs genuinely soft ground which it wasn’t at Chester, so we might have got away with it.

“He’s great but we mind him and although we didn’t the other day, we don’t normally risk him on anything other than soft ground.

“He’s a very likeable, durable, useful horse and it was a good effort to win like he did at Chester and even though his coat is turning a bit, I still think he is in good form.”