TAGULA, forced to miss most of the summer because of training problems, began to make up for lost time with victory in the Charlton Hunt Supreme Stakes at Goodwood yesterday.

Returning for his first outing since finishing fifth in the Irish 2,000 Guineas back in May, he proved fit enough to crack toughnut Wizard King and land the Group Three prize by a head.

Tagula was one of Europe's top two year olds last year, winning the Group One Prix Morny and finishing third in the Dewhurst Stakes and this season he was third in the French 2,000 Guineas, just over a length behind Ashkalani.

But his performances suggest seven furlongs is his best trip and the colt may now have one more run in the Group One Prix de la Foret on October 20th before probably retiring to stud.

"He has had problems but thank God we have got him back," said trainer Ian Balding. "That was a pretty good effort against the second but I think he would have won a cosy half length but for getting tired.