Royal Dubai continues perfect start for Owen Burrows

Royal Dubai continued his perfect start for trainer Owen Burrows as he pounced late to claim the Betfred Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock.

Previously trained by Marco Botti, Royal Dubai switched to Burrows’ care after two unsuccessful British runs in April and June, but he struck gold in Listed company at Newbury on his yard debut last month.

Upped to Group Three level here, the 9-4 joint favourite was anchored towards the rear by Callum Rodriguez through the early stages but when the gaps came in the final furlong, Royal Dubai had the necessary speed to take advantage and pipped Military Order by a neck on the line, with Haunted Dream back in third.

Rodriguez told Racing TV: “It was a good performance. We were drawn on the inside, he’s a horse that enjoys a bit of cover and passing horses so we were never going to be in a rush.

“I was a little bit worried up the straight that we weren’t going to get the splits but he was all there for me when we did and he’s picked up well to the line.”

Suite Francaise benefited from a perfectly-judged front-running ride to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Dick Hern Stakes.

Joe Fanning had the 15-2 shot smartly away and she never looked like being passed, claiming a two-length success over Never Let Go.

Winning trainer Charlie Johnston knows the family well with his father having trained the dam, Francophilia for owner Kirsten Rausing while Suite Francaise’s sister Francophone was a Listed victor for the trainer last term.

He was represented by his mother Deirdre, who said: “They’re all superstars and such lovely horses to have at home and look after. Joe said she was so quiet down at the start he was hoping she was all right as she was so well behaved.

“He said she was never going to get beat, she was out there in front, really enjoying it and when he kicked, off she went.

“It was fantastic. She’s done nothing wrong and black type is a big thing for Kirsten, we’ve got big black type but in Group company would be even better.”