Class came to the fore as Royal Champion delivered a dominant victory in the G3 BetUK Winter Derby at Southwell.
With a rating of 113, Karl Burke’s seven-year-old was upwards of 3lb clear of his rivals after taking December’s Listed BetUK Quebec Stakes at Lingfield Park, although the G1 runner-up had stamina to prove as he tackled 11 furlongs for the first time.
BetUK Winter Derby Trial victor Champagne Prince set out to make it a test, with Royal Champion settled in a share of third by Clifford Lee, while fellow 6/4 joint favourite Military Academy was held up.
The tempo lifted turning into the straight and Royal Champion was held together before quickening into the lead approaching the final furlong. Military Academy tried to go with him but never looked like getting on terms, with almost two lengths separating the duo at the line.
Burke said: “Royal Champion did that very well. I thought he would get the trip provided he got into a nice rhythm and Cliff did that. I was pretty confident the whole way round to be honest.
“He was a fair bit fitter today than he was at Lingfield, a good seven or eight kilograms lighter. Because of the trip, we wanted him 100 per cent fit.
“He is a good horse, who has already proven that he can do it on the turf. I don’t see any reason why we should not have a lot of fun with him through the summer.
“I have not spoken to Sheikh Mohammed Obaid [about targets], but there is a nice race in Hong Kong at the end of April – a mile and a quarter race, worth a couple of million [FWD QEII Cup]. He could be very competitive if the owner is happy to go there.
“There are lots of options through the summer and he goes well fresh, so there is no rush. He will have a break now and then we will tee him up for something.”
Course record holder Clarendon House made a strong start to 2025 as he blazed to victory in the Listed BetUK Hever Sprint over five furlongs.
Sidelined since September, Robert Cowell’s seven-year-old looked on it as he led the field down the stands’ rail, ultimately seeing off 15/8 favourite Marshman by half a length.
This was a return to form for Clarendon House, who had failed to beat a rival on his final three appearances of 2024.
Winning rider Sean Levey said: “The worry was that he had fallen out of love with the game a little bit, missing the break in his last few starts, but Robert had him on song today.
“He looked great, pinged the lids and did everything that he did when he broke the track record here. He was just so professional today and hopefully he can keep that going.
“I think he will come on from the run. He has had a long time off. The runner-up was bearing down on me but that won’t happen again I don’t think.”
