Al Qareem Not For Passing With Cumberland Lodge Hat-trick

Al Qareem made it three succeeding wins in the BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot with the sort of efficiency that has actually become his trademark.


Karl Burke's stalwart has now won 12 of his 34 races, claiming over ₤ 700,000 in prize cash for his owners, the Nick Bradley Racing distribute.


While never enabled to completely 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 seemed travelling strongly it quickly became clear Al Qareem had plenty left.


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


Burke said: "He set up a wonderful, hard performance. We know he's a brave horse and he went hard.


"I said to Clifford do not hesitate to go hard, particularly out of Swinley Bottom, as he might nick a few lengths and get the others at it because 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 most likely his true journey, anything above that he simply runs out of stamina.


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


"He's a great warrior and it's a terrific outcome."


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


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


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


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


"He'll have a 6lb charge but is in excellent form at present."