Goodwood, England // Godolphin’s Encke made a pleasing comeback from a near-two-year lay-off when he finished second to Pether’s Moon in the Group 3 Glorious Stakes yesterday.
Encke had not run since he beat Camelot in the English St Leger in 2012, and he shrugged off the 685-day absence under William Buick to finish a length and a quarter behind the winner, who was partnered by Richard Hughes.
Charlie Appleby, his trainer, said Encke was only 80 per cent fit for his comeback run and added that he was delighted by his charge's effort.
“He showed all the qualities that he once had, so I am very happy with that,” Appleby said.
“He has had two years off and had every entitlement to say he wanted the easy life. He showed all his old enthusiasm and ability.”
Encke was one of 22 Godolphin horses who were banned from racing because of the Mahmoud Al Zarooni steroids scandal.
Al Zarooni was disqualified from horse racing for eight years last April for administering anabolic steroids to horses in his care. All 22 horses were banned for six months but are now free to race.
Jamie Spencer set the pace on Battle Of Marengo, who was having his second run since disappointing at Meydan during the World Cup Carnival. Buick was tucked in behind on Encke, with Pether’s Moon on his outside.
Quest For Peace, back from a spell in Australia, made a bold bid 400 metres out on the outside of Encke as Pether’s Moon collected himself on the far rail.
Battle Of Marengo was the first to come under pressure, followed by Pether’s Moon.
Pether’s Moon was in the lead with 200 metres to run, however, and extended that lead over an understandably tiring Encke as Cafe Society picked up the pieces to finish third.
Both Pether’s Moon and Cafe Society will continue to be prepared for a campaign in Australia with the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups in mind, while Appleby will monitor Encke before making a decision on where the five year old will race next.
Appleby said that the Grand Prix de Deauville at the end of the month or the Irish St Leger at the revamped Irish Champions’ weekend in the middle of September are the likely options.
Appleby was so content with the run that he even mentioned the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris in October.
Battle Of Marengo seems to be going the other way. Bought by Al Asayl as a Dubai World Cup horse, he has run poorly since he finished second at Royal Ascot last season. He finished last yesterday.
“We are struggling with him,” trainer David Simcock said. “He hasn’t shown anything at home, and didn’t show much in Dubai, either.
“He looks fantastic, he’s moving great and we will have to go to extreme distances now.”
sports@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter at @SprtNationalUAE
