Division in class shows in victory at York

Division continued to live up to his lofty sales tag with a clear-cut victory in the Listed Coral Rockingham Stakes at York.

Bought for 800,000 guineas by Wathnan Racing and sent to William Haggas, he was winning for the third time in his career from just four outings.

Second on his debut, he won easily at Haydock before defying a penalty at Yarmouth and handed this step up in class with aplomb on the Knavesmire.

With Wathnan’s retained rider James Doyle in action at Newmarket, where he was successful on Damysus, Tom Marquand was in the saddle and was always in a handy position.

Boston Dan emerged as a danger entering the final furlong but the 5-2 favourite finished his race off very strongly indeed and went on to score by a length and three-quarters to give Haggas a third win in the race in five years.

“It was a good performance, he’s very quick and I’m slightly embarrassed to say that I rode the mother (Pepita) at (Richard) Hannon’s quite a bit and Celandine (sister) a bit as well so it’s a sign I’m getting a bit older!” said Marquand.

“He’s talented and very fast and a York winner similar to his sister.

“He needed to know when to get serious and when I asked him to, he was there for it which is great.

“I’ve had a handful of winners for Wathnan. They are fantastic, they are very strong and they have some lovely horses at William’s and when James has to be elsewhere, it’s nice to fill the seat for him.”