Shady McCoy strikes at Ascot under Ryan Moore
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Ryan Moore delivered Shady McCoy with a perfectly-timed challenge to claim top honours in the Veolia Handicap at Ascot.
The Ian Williams-trained seven-year-old has been plying his trade in top-grade handicaps this summer without cutting much ice, but this assignment represented a significant drop in class.
Moore appeared adamant on playing his cards late, with Shady McCoy still nearer last than first with two furlongs to run.
However, once switched wide and in the clear, the 13-2 chance charged home and was well on top as he passed the post a length and a half to the good.
Hajjam (16-1) was a clear second, with 33-1 shot Another Boy beating 9-2 favourite Alaadel to third place by a head.
Williams said: "The horse was in great form and he could just turn out at York next Friday under a penalty.
"Ryan said he was well suited by the pace in the race and he enjoyed the ground.
"It's not often I'm in awe of a jockey, but to be drawn where he was drawn and finish where he finished - drawn 17 and to finish on the far right side of the track - I thought was an exceptional performance by one of the best jockeys."
The application of blinkers helped Zwayyan get back on the winning trail in the Neptune Investment Management Classified Stakes.
The William Haggas-trained four-year-old had not been disgraced in three starts since scoring at Haydock in June and dropped back to a mile in the hands of Frankie Dettori - who was having his first ride since Arc day - he was the 11-4 favourite.
After travelling smoothly into contention, Zwayyan hit the front inside the final furlong and while he gave One Word More brief hope by idling in the dying strides, he clung on by a neck. Sibilance was best of the rest in third.
Haggas' assistant Harry Eustace said: "The drop back in trip and the blinkers have helped. He's been capable of winning races like that all year, it's just been a case of getting the combination right.
"The race fell right for him and he did it OK. He does want this ground and there is a chance for him to come out again if there is the right race, but I will leave that up to the boss."
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