Midak produced a determined performance at Chester on Saturday to land the Listed Chester Stakes, securing an important Class 1 success for the yard.
Ridden by Paul Mulrennan, Midak was ridden positively from the outset and soon moved through to take up the running. He was headed down the back straight but continued to travel strongly, with Mulrennan keeping him balanced before asking him to pick up entering the home straight.
Midak responded well to the challenge and hit the front with just over a furlong to run. He was then strongly pressed by the well-backed favourite By The Book inside the final furlong and briefly headed, but showed tremendous determination to battle back and regain the advantage close to the line, winning by a neck.
It was a particularly impressive effort in a competitive Listed field, with Midak showing both the ability and attitude required to win at this level. Having been knocking on the door in some strong races this season, it was fantastic to see him rewarded with a Class 1 success.
The victory was Midak’s first since last year and provided a thoroughly deserved return to the winner’s enclosure for Mrs Fitri Hay and everyone involved with the four-year-old.
It was a race that required plenty of determination, and Midak showed exactly that when it mattered most. His performance was a credit to the horse and the team at home, and there should be further opportunities for him at this level going forward.
A huge congratulations to Mrs Fitri Hay, Paul Mulrennan and the whole team on a fantastic Listed success.
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