By Tom Frary
Saturday's G1 Qipco Champion Stakes threw up a major shock as Shadwell's Anmaat (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}–African Moonlight {UAE}, by Halling) swooped late to register a 40-1 success and provide further evidence of the skill and guile of Owen Burrows. Contesting his second group 1 having scored on his only previous try in the Prix d'Ispahan last May, the 6-year-old was coming off a below-par fifth in the G2 Prix Dollar 13 days ago but at least had his favoured testing ground to aide his cause.
Travelling strongly in a pocket behind the pace throughout the early stages, the gelding stalwart looked beaten two out with Jim Crowley at work and seemingly trapped. Four runners appeared to be coming to win it from there, but the real danger was in behind as Anmaat surged between rivals to grab Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) close home. At the line, there was a half length between the winner and that 6-4 favourite, with another outsider Royal Rhyme (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) 1 3/4 lengths away in third.
BIG upset! Anmaat wins the Group 1 QIPCO Champion Stakes at @Ascot for @JimCrowley1978 and @OwenBurrowsRace… pic.twitter.com/1WO7NL4beB
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 19, 2024
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