Tiber Flow edges four-horse battle in BetVictor Hungerford Stakes
Oisin Murphy-ridden favourite Kikkuli was one of the runners in contention for the Group Two prize at Newbury. But 4-1 chance Tiber Flow just came out on top with Tom Marquand steering
Tiber Flow dipped his head at the right time to prevail in a thrilling finish to Newbury's BetVictor Hungerford Stakes.
The winner was one of four horses - including 7-4 favourite Kikkuli - who were locked in battle yards from the post.
First to make his final move, Tiber Flow mastered leader Popmaster but was quickly challenged by the market leader. Then last year's winner Witch Hunter, hampered by a slow start under Jamie Spencer, made rapid headway widest of all. However he just missed the double as 4-1 chance Tiber Flow held on grimly to maintain the red hot form of William Haggas' stable.
"I thought I was beaten at the line and Witch Hunter nipped his nose in front," said jockey Tom Marquand, securing his third Group race success on the gelding this season.
"He was a proper warrior to get his head back down."
The disappointment of the seven furlong contest was English Oak, who faded out of contention after leading a core group of six horses. Popmaster had a solo run on the far side, a route which just proved to be best as the principals dashed to the line.
At Ripon, Richard Fahey celebrated a William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap one-two with Dare To Hope and Ramazan.
The 9-2 favourite, a double-figure price on Friday, quickened smartly for Oisin Orr to deny his 8-1 stablemate by three quarters of a length. Secret Guest (22-1) and Summerghand (6-1) - who had made the frame in the last two editions - finished third and fourth.
Meanwhile Australian wondermare Black Caviar - unbeaten in 25 races before she retired in 2013 - has died at the age of 17. The world's best sprinter on four occasions took the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in dramatic circumstances, when rider Luke Nolen eased her down prematurely.
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