3 minute read

The Andrew Balding-trained Van Percy got the better of a protracted duel with Havana Cooler to land Goodwood's bet365 Summer Stakes.

Havana Cooler was the 5-2 favourite to complete a double for Adam Kirby, who steered Es Que Love to Lennox Stakes glory, and he moved towards the front end a furlong out, but David Probert had the move covered aboard 8-1 shot Van Percy.

The two pulled clear to ensure it was a straight shootout in the closing stages and although Havana Cooler gave everything he had, Van Percy was a neck too strong.

Noble Silk was a little over two lengths back in third.

There was drama in the middle of the race as White Nile appeared to lose his footing and dumped jockey Paul Hanagan on the turf.

The horse galloped loose before eventually being caught, while Hanagan eventually got to his feet but was holding his arm as he climbed into the ambulance.

Probert said: "He's turned over a new leaf since he had the hood on. He's settling really well in his races and he's grown up a lot since last year.

"It was quite tricky today as he was drawn wide, but I managed to jump fairly well and get a position. He settled really down the hill and it all fell into his hands."

Balding said: "The intention is for him to go down to Australia. Whether he's done enough to get into a Melbourne Cup yet, I doubt it, but he'll have a couple of options to run out there before that and see if we can get him qualified.

"It would be nice to think we could get him qualified for the Melbourne Cup now he's settling better and is committed in a finish. He's tough, he's not very big, but he's all heart, and I thought David did a terrific job.

"With a penalty he's probably going to get in the Ebor now, that should just get him in the race, so that will more than likely be the target."

Havana Cooler remains on target for the Ebor despite having his colours lowered.

"It's disappointing he didn't win but he has run another good race. He also goes into the Ebor without a penalty," said trainer Luca Cumani's son and assistant, Matt.

Hanagan will have to pass a medical before riding at Sandown on Wednesday following his fall.

Robin Mounsey, communications manager for the British Horseracing Authority, said: "Paul was stood down for the day. He has not been sent by the racecourse to hospital, but he will have to pass a medical to ride. He was X-rayed here. The jockey reported that the horse slipped."