Al Qareem not for passing with Cumberland Lodge hat-trick

Al Qareem made it three successive wins in the BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot with the kind of determined front-running performance that has become his trademark.

Karl Burke’s stalwart has now won 12 of his 34 races, claiming over £700,000 in prize money for his owners, the Nick Bradley Racing syndicate.

While never allowed to completely do his own thing in front, Clifford Lee kicked for home early in the straight to make it a real stamina test, and although Hamish looked to be travelling strongly it soon became clear Al Qareem had plenty left.

The evergreen six-year-old (9-4), galloped on powerfully despite the headwind to win by six lengths from Tenability, a stablemate of Hamish, who stayed on for second.

Burke said: “He put up a fantastic, tough performance. We know he’s a brave horse and he went hard.

“I said to Clifford don’t be afraid to go hard, especially out of Swinley Bottom, as he could nick a few lengths and get the others at it because all he does is keep galloping. You can do that over a mile and a half on soft ground and whereas one-mile-six is probably his true trip, anything above that he just runs out of stamina.

“He’s a great warrior and it’s a great result.”

Burke, who also won the Sun Chariot at Newmarket with Fallen Angel, continued his incredible recent run of big-race success when Native Warrior (9-4 favourite) took the £180,000 BetMGM Challenge Cup.

Jamie Spencer was on board, just as he was when winning another valuable prize over course and distance last month.

Burke said: “It was a fantastic performance and he’s always threatened to do what he’s done in his last two. I think the visor has made the difference and Jamie on the straight track at Ascot is a master.

“Everything has fallen right for him the last twice and he will go back to Ascot now for the Balmoral on Champions Day.

“He’ll have a 6lb penalty but is in great form at present.”