Al Qareem Not For Passing With Cumberland Lodge Hat-trick

Al Qareem made it 3 successive wins in the BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot with the type of identified front-running performance that has become his .


Karl Burke's stalwart has actually now won 12 of his 34 races, declaring over ₤ 700,000 in prize cash for his owners, the Nick Bradley Racing syndicate.


While never permitted to entirely do his own thing in front, Clifford Lee kicked for home early in the straight to make it a genuine endurance test, and although Hamish looked to be travelling highly it soon ended up being clear Al Qareem had plenty left.


The evergreen six-year-old (9-4), galloped on strongly despite the headwind to win by six lengths from Tenability, a stablemate of Hamish, who remained on for 2nd.


Burke said: "He installed a wonderful, tough efficiency. We know he's a brave horse and he went hard.


"I stated to Clifford don't hesitate to go hard, particularly out of Swinley Bottom, as he might nick a few lengths and get the others at it since all he does is keep galloping. You can do that over a mile and a half on soft ground and whereas one-mile-six is most likely his true journey, anything above that he just runs out of stamina.


Al Qareem won the Cumberland Lodge for a third time (Steven Paston/PA)


"He's a great warrior and it's a great outcome."


Burke, who likewise won the Sun Chariot at Newmarket with Fallen Angel, continued his incredible current run of big-race success when Native Warrior (9-4 favourite) took the ₤ 180,000 BetMGM Challenge Cup.


Jamie Spencer was on board, just as he was when winning another valuable reward over course and range last month.


Burke said: "It was a wonderful efficiency and he's always threatened to do what he's carried out in his last two. I think the visor has made the distinction and Jamie on the straight track at Ascot is a master.


"Everything has fallen right for him the last twice and he will go back to Ascot now for the Balmoral on Champions Day.


"He'll have a 6lb charge but is in fantastic type at present."