Al Qareem Not For Passing With Cumberland Lodge Hat-trick

Al Qareem made it 3 succeeding wins in the BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot with the type of determined front-running performance that has become his hallmark.


Karl Burke's stalwart has actually now won 12 of his 34 races, claiming over ₤ 700,000 in reward money for his owners, the Nick Bradley Racing syndicate.


While never ever permitted to totally do his own thing in front, Clifford Lee kicked for home early in the straight to make it a real endurance test, and although Hamish looked to be it quickly became clear Al Qareem had plenty left.


The evergreen six-year-old (9-4), galloped on strongly despite the headwind to win by 6 lengths from Tenability, a stablemate of Hamish, who stayed on for 2nd.


Burke said: "He installed a wonderful, difficult efficiency. We understand he's a brave horse and he went hard.


"I said to Clifford don't be scared to go hard, particularly out of Swinley Bottom, as he could nick a few lengths and get the others at it since all he does is keep galloping. You can do that over a mile and a half on soft ground and whereas one-mile-six is probably his true journey, anything above that he just runs out of stamina.


Al Qareem won the Cumberland Lodge for a third time (Steven Paston/PA)


"He's a fantastic warrior and it's an excellent outcome."


Burke, who also won the Sun Chariot at Newmarket with Fallen Angel, continued his unbelievable current run of big-race success when Native Warrior (9-4 preferred) took the ₤ 180,000 BetMGM Challenge Cup.


Jamie Spencer was on board, simply as he was when winning another valuable reward over course and range last month.


Burke said: "It was a wonderful performance and he's always threatened to do what he's performed in his last 2. I think the visor has actually made the difference and Jamie on the straight track at Ascot is a master.


"Everything has fallen right for him the last twice and he will return to Ascot now for the Balmoral on Champions Day.


"He'll have a 6lb charge however remains in excellent kind at present."