Naqeeb digs deep for Foundation success

Naqeeb landed a notable success for Yorkshire-based Julie Camacho when springing a 33-1 surprise in the Virgin Bet Foundation Stakes at Goodwood

A half-brother to high-class duo Baaeed and Hukum, the son of Nathaniel has been a consistent performer for the Camacho team since his 170,000 guineas purchase last autumn, running with credit in competitive handicaps at all the major festivals this summer.

Upped to Listed level for the first time for the Star Cottage operation, he produced arguably a career best in the hands of Ryan Sexton as he bravely held off Charlie Appleby’s one-time Derby hope Ancient Wisdom by a neck.

It was a first victory for Naqeeb in two years and Camacho’s husband and assistant Steve Brown said: “We’re obviously delighted and he’s a horse with multiple good runs to his name this year at the festivals and we were between a rock and a hard place with his rating.

“We were top weight in handicaps and he’s in a grey area for Listed and Group races. We just thought we would try him in a Listed and see where we fitted in and this was brilliant.

“He had some form for William Haggas in a Group race so we didn’t think it was a total shot in the dark, but it is fair to say we needed to step up. He was a big price and that reflected his chance.

“I thought Ryan gave him a lovely ride and was always in the right place and got first kick on them. It was just lovely to watch as he’s such a popular horse and his owner Niall O’Keefe is a great supporter of ours.”

Naqeeb is now likely to enjoy a well-earned break as connections contemplate their next move, which could involve a trip overseas in search of further riches in the new year.

“We’ll sit down and have a think and we’d discussed potentially exploring a few of the foreign races in the spring,” continued Brown.

“I think we’ll put him away now. I like to put one away when they are well and not when they have had too much, which is a policy we like to have with our horses.

“We’re all thrilled and it’s great for everyone. We can think about hopefully some exciting races now.”

The valuable British EBF £100,000 2YO Fillies’ Series Final also headed north after the Charlie Johnston-trained May Hill fifth Timeforshowcasing (4-1 joint favourite) successfully dropped back in level for a length-and-a-quarter success in the hands of James Doyle.