Long Distance Cup option open for Al Qareem

Al Qareem could be heading for the Long Distance Cup at Ascot before having the winter off following his striking win to complete a Cumberland Lodge Stakes hat-trick.

The Karl Burke-trained six-year-old won a valuable race at Nottingham before scooping to big prizes at York in the Grand Cup and the Silver Cup, but it is at the Berkshire track where he is really at home.

Having won the Cumberland Lodge in 2023 and 2024, he was even more impressive this time around when he made all and won going away by six lengths.

Nick Bradley, who runs the owning syndicate, will consult with Burke before mapping out a plan for the future for the son of Awtaad.

Bradley said: “Absolutely delighted with the run. Great to see him do it again for the third time. Up against Hamish, I thought they’d be closer together. I think Al Qareem outbattled and outstayed him and showed his class.

“Karl’s down at Book One (Tattersalls sales), I’m heading down there tomorrow. We’ve just literally hosted an open day, but that was my plan, the Long Distance Cup, I want to chat with Karl and take it from there.

“The Prix Royal-Oak will be the alternative. There’s a race at the Curragh, a Group Three in the first week in November (Loughbrown Stakes) is also possible.”

He added: “I’d imagine we will just pull up stumps after that, because he’s just done nothing but perform this year. We’ll give him a winter off and repeat it again next year.”