3 minute read

Middle Earth bounced back from a disappointing effort in the St Leger Stakes at Doncaster when narrowly getting the better of the reopposing Chesspiece in the Listed Troy Asset Management Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot.

Connections of Middle Earth were prompted to stump up the £50,000 supplementary fee for the Gosden-trained runner to take his chance in the St Leger Stakes following a commanding Melrose Handicap success at York, but he struggled to perform on the rain-softened ground and was ultimately well beaten back in seventh.

Oisin Murphy, who earlier rode Andrew Balding's Hampden Park to success in the colours of Sir Alex Ferguson, settled the Qatar Racing-owned colt towards the middle of the field, whilst the front-running Chesspiece dictated matters out in front under William Buick.

The pair kicked for home rounding the final bend and following a ding-dong battle up the Ascot straight, Middle Earth edged his way to the front close home, with the 9/4 chance eventually pulling away to score by a length.

The well-backed 6/4 market leader Naqeeb finished well-held back in third.

Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, Murphy said: "Middle Earth found the ground a little bit soft at Doncaster and when I knew I couldn't run well I looked after him.

"Fortunately, he trained well between then and now, John was very happy and Thady felt like his work was good, so he was allowed to take his chance and I'm delighted. It's a nice way to finish his season and Sheikh Fahad will be over the moon.

"We'll look forward to next year. He's a beautiful horse, easy to ride and he seems to stay well."