'It was only his ability that got him home' - Powerful Glory toughs it out in Mill Reef Stakes

Powerful Glory showed he had the heart to match his talent as the cream came to the top in an attritional running of the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes.

Having looked out of the ordinary when a runaway five-and-a-half-length winner on debut at Pontefract, Powerful Glory faced a different test on his first step into Group company, with a morning thunderstorm turning the ground heavy.

That meant four non-runners, including Gimcrack Stakes second and third Shadow Of Light and Symbol Of Strength, but Powerful Glory stood his ground and toughed it out to deny 28-1 shot La Bellota by a neck. 

Victory gave Richard Fahey his first win in the Mill Reef since Ribchester took the same race on his way to stardom in 2015 and there is no lack of belief in Powerful Glory from those who know him best. 

"It's not easy for two-year-olds on that ground," said Philip Robinson, racing manager to winning owner Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum. "At halfway I was a little bit worried and thought he's not handling it.

"Oisin Orr said he was hating the ground and it was only his ability that got him home. It's a big plus to know they can do that."

Powerful Glory: "He's a nice, big frame of a horse who should improve from two to three"Credit: Edward Whitaker

A 5am downpour deposited 15mm of rain on Newbury and Robinson admitted it had been questioned whether Powerful Glory should run.

He added: "We had a discussion but, because it was going to be his last run for the year, we thought we'd let him take his chance. He's done what he's been asked this season, winning on firm and heavy ground.

"He's a nice, big frame of a horse who should improve from two to three, so I'm looking forward to next year. I think he might get a bit further next year, but we'll see what he does over the winter."

Orr, who shunned a trip to Ayr to maintain his partnership with Powerful Glory, said he felt the race slipping away inside the last two furlongs before his partner found another gear and powered to the post.

"I thought I was in a bit of trouble," said Orr. "It's not easy out there but ability can get them through most ground, and I think he's got plenty of it. 

"Everything he has shown has been speed but he's big and scopey as well and, if learns to relax and race right, there's no reason why he can't get further. At home there's nothing really we have to gallop with him, so I think he's pretty smart." 

Despite being the only maiden in the race, La Bellota came close to causing an upset and trainer John Ryan said: "The ground was always going to be a big ask and he's still a bit green. We'll give him time after that, but he will run again this season and could go abroad."

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