Race 5 - King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes - Initial Winning Quotes

Hurricane Storms In

Hurricane Run, officially rated the best horse in the world in 2005, further enhanced his reputation with a battling display to land the £750,000 Group One King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes by half a length from Electrocutionist.

The winner did not looked to be travelling particularly well as the field entered the straight and for a moment it appeared as if he would not get a clear run. However, an opening appeared and the horse then quickened ahead.Hurricane Run is a son of Montjeu, successful in this race in 2000. Michael Tabor, part owner along with Sue Magnier and Derrick Smith, commented: Like Montjeu, this horse has so much ability but you have to let him do his own thing. I didnt discuss plans with Christophe before, but for me he was always in a great position. Its great to see the horse come back to his best. Winning jockey Christophe Soumillon added: I had no choice but to sit in behind the leaders. I did not want to come early as we thought that was what beat him last time.

Frankie (Dettori) has of lot of power with his horse and tried to keep me on the inside. I decided to wait and thought that there would room later. He is a real Group One horse - unbelievable, wonderful. Its hard to win like he did today but I have always thought he is the best horse in the world. The best way to ride him is not to battle but just let him do his own thing.

I am grateful to the team for putting me up today and my thoughts go to Kieren (Fallon). I didnt want to be the bad guy who messed things up - fortunately, I have been a good guy today! Having won the Arc, it now good to win what is the ‘English Arc. I have now ridden two champions in Dalakhani and Hurricane Run.

Kieren (Fallon) will probably be back on him for the Arc. I will have to see if His Highness (the Aga Khan) has a runner and there is also Shirocco. Andre Fabre, the winning trainer, said: My first thought is for Kieren Fallon - we owe a lot to him concerning this horse as he found out the best way to ride him. I was not worried that he would not get up from the position he was in as he has such wonderful acceleration. My only worry was that he might get boxed in. Hurricane Run is a very laid back horse. Everything is always a worry in these big races. I was happy that the weather changed with cooler temperatures. The change of jockey is always a worry too.
                                       
An epic finish to the 2006 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes saw Hurricane Run prevail after a late challenge under Christophe Soumillon to score by half a length from Electrocutionist. Circumstances made the race spectacular, but it was not planned like that, said winning trainer Andre Fabre. I said to Christophe beforehand that his best race was in the Arc when he came from behind and Christophe sat confidently without challenging too early then showed a real burst of speed. I never lost any confidence, I thought he was travelling well and the only worry was that hed get boxed in. What I like about him is that for a horse that could stay two miles is the speed he has. I look foward to his stud career and think he could be a great stallion.

Soumillon added: This is a day I will not forget in my life. I have loved this horse for a long time and I said to Andre that this was the best horse in his stable and it was true. It was so good beforehand when I was riding for the biggest trainer in the world and he told me to do what I thought was best in the race and the owners said the same. I think Frankie was riding a perfect race too on the runner-up but I had the best horse today. He was so good today.

There was a sting in the tail for jockey Christophe Soumillon following his big-race victory aboard Hurricane Run in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes when he picked up a six-day suspension. The ban, running from August 9 to 14, was for the frequency with which Soumillon used his whip. Frankie Dettori, who partnered runner-up Electrocutionist in the big race, was cautioned for his use of the whip but no further action was taken.

Asked whether the stiffness Electrocutionist was suffering in the morning, and which put his participation in doubt, may have affected the horses performance, trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: Frankie (Dettori) made no comment about that. He ran a great race and was beaten by a better horse.

Electrocutionist gave me everything he had. The Japanese runner went by me and my horse showed great determination to get back up but the winner had a dream run on the inside and beat us all. Japanese raider Hearts Cry looked the winner turning into the straight but faded in the final half-furlong to finish third, beaten half a length and the same. The five-year-olds jockey, Christophe Lemaire, reported: He hasnt raced since March and he got a little bit tired in the last 100 metres. He travelled perfectly behind Frankie (Dettori) and came easily, but the last 100 metres were 100 metres too much. Hearts Crys trainer, Kojiro Hashiguchi, was disappointed not to be rewarded with victory but retains the utmost faith in his charge.He said: "I want Hurricane Run to come to Japan for the Japan Cup. On his home course, Hearts Cry will win.Hashiguchi is also looking to renew rivalry with Japanese superstar Deep Impact, saying: "Hearts Cry will run in the Japan Cup and the Arima Kinen.
Deep Impact is a very strong horse, but Hearts Cry can beat him again.

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