Roman Dragon made history at Chester Racecourse by clinching a narrow victory in the Queensferry Stakes, marking his seventh win at this storied track. Despite being sent off as an underdog at 16-1, the horse demonstrated remarkable tenacity to secure the win. This comes after a series of three disappointing performances, leaving many skeptical of his chances.
In a thrilling five-furlong Listed event, jockey Jason Watson executed a well-timed strategy by taking an early lead. Although the favourite, Celandine, trained by Ed Walker, surged forward at the end, Roman Dragon held on to win by a mere nose. Palmer expressed his gratitude to his team, stating, “Plaudits have to go entirely to my team as I have not laid eyes on this horse since his run at Ascot last weekend.”
Palmer noted the significance of the victory, especially considering that Roman Dragon’s rating dropped from 97 to 94 after his recent runs at Ascot. He explained the implications of this drop: “We had 9lb to find in my mind with the favourite, which is only three lengths over six furlongs.” This context emphasized the challenging conditions Roman Dragon faced, making his triumph even more commendable.
The trainer further reflected on the race dynamics, acknowledging Celandine’s impressive recovery after experiencing a flat spot during the race. “I said to someone, ‘Well, the favourite’s beat’ when she came off the bridle, but she was very brave,” Palmer pointed out.
Roman Dragon’s affinity for Chester has become evident over time. “He just loves it and doesn’t seem to go well on a straight track,” Palmer remarked, hinting at the possibility of future races in Dubai. He speculated that the horse might have to race there instead of Bahrain this winter, especially after this latest triumph.
With this victory, Roman Dragon not only solidified his status at Chester but also reignited discussions about his potential in future races. As fans and analysts look ahead, the focus will be on how this win impacts his ranking and racing plans moving forward.
