Hawkeyethenoo takes Stewards’ Cup

Saturday 4 August 2012

Stewards Cup full result:
1 Hawkeyethenoo (G Lee) 9-1
2 Imperial Guest (A Hamblett) 25-1
3 Lui Rei (D E Egan) 20-1
4 Waffle (F M Berry) 7-1 Fav

Hawkeyethenoo held off the late challenge of Imperial Guest to win a thrilling renewal of the Blue Square Bet Stewards' Cup.

Third in the Wokingham Stakes and fifth in the July Cup, after which he finished a luckless seventh in the competitive International Stakes at Ascot, Jim Goldie's Scottish raider was a leading fancy at 9-1.

Always travelling strongly on the far side of the track in the hands of Grand National-winning jockey Graham Lee, the six-year-old quickened to the lead inside the final furlong.

Imperial Guest came with a strong challenge down the centre of the track as the line approached, but Hawkeyethenoo stayed strong to land the prestigious handicap by a nose.

Lui Rei and 7-1 favourite Waffle finished third and fourth respectively.

"I'm overwhelmed - I'm delighted for the horse," Lee, who was having his first ride at the course, said.

"Jim has been great for me, he's given me great support.

"His horses haven't been flying, but for this horse to get us off the cold list is brilliant."