Racing:Twice Over made it second time lucky and provided the legendary Henry Cecil with a Group One win on his home turf in the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes at Newmarket.
The 10-times champion trainer has enjoyed a resurgent couple of years, and bagged his second top-flight success of 2009 as his four-year-old returned to the Rowley Mile to claim the 10-furlong contest.
New Approach proved his superior 12 months earlier, but after a couple of confidence-boosting wins in lesser company, Twice Over went one place better to provide Cecil with his third Champion Stakes following on from Indian Skimmer (1988) and Bosra Sham (1996).
Tom Queally had the Khalid Abdullah-owned 14-1 chance in the front rank throughout and after leading well over two furlongs out, his mount boxed on well to hold the unexposed Mawatheeq by half a length.
Richard Hills rode the latter and objected to the winner on the grounds of interference, but the stewards dismissed the appeal in moments.
Oaks winner Sariska came from well off the pace to finish a length down in third, while 6-4 favourite Fame And Glory dropped back to sixth having raced prominently.
Cecil said: “He needed a confidence-booster last time, but I was a little worried about the ground as the softer it is the better it is for him.
“This is great for Prince Khalid Abdullah who is a good supporter of mine, and I want to thank him very much. My wife, Jane, isn’t here today, but if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be here today.
“It doesn’t matter how good horses are. If they are not enjoying themselves mentally and don’t want to do it then they won’t. I think he is better than last year and has improved with age.
“He has got confidence now and has been working very well.”