• Horse Racing

Moohaajim mauls Mill Reef rivals

Moohaajim was hugely impressive in the Mill Reef Stakes © PA Photos

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Moohaajim stamped himself as a colt out of the top drawer with a smart display in the Mill Reef Stakes.

Trainer Marco Botti rated him highly enough to pitch him into the Prix Morny, on only his second start, where he suffered a luckless passage. Botti suggested the run in the Group One had made a man of his colt and he backed that up to take the Mill Reef in style.

Adam Kirby settled Moohaajim in behind the leaders, where he travelled like a class horse. For a moment it looked like he may not get the gap, but Kirby switched his mount to the outside and he showed a fine turn of foot once seeing daylight.

Moohaajim swept to the front inside the final furlong and only required hands and heels to stride clear to take the Group Two prize.

Kirby was glowing in his praise, as he told Channel 4: "He's special. I kept him relaxed and as long as he keeps his head, he will be a top class horse. The minute he got out he picked up really good. He has a high cruising speed and can kick off it as well. He will stay further and is a proper horse."

Captain Ramius ploughed through the mud to land the Ayr Gold Cup for trainer Kevin Ryan.

Pat Smullen sent his mount to the front at the furlong pole and he skipped clear for a ready success from Regal Parade, Maarek and long-time leader Sholaan to hand Ryan back-to-back wins in the race following Our Jonathan's success last year.

The Silver Cup went the way of Michael Dods' Mass Rally, who came with a withering late run under Paul Mulrennan to chin 6/1 favourite Highland Colori right on the line.

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