Hugo Palmer’s Roman Dragon created a remarkable moment in horse racing history by clinching victory in the Queensferry Stakes at Chester. The horse, who had faced challenges in his previous three races, defied the odds to secure a thrilling win. Starting as an unfancied contender at odds of 16-1, Roman Dragon showcased his tenacity in a tightly contested finish.
In the five-furlong Listed event, jockey Jason Watson took immediate control of the race, positioning Roman Dragon at the front. The favourite, Celandine trained by Ed Walker, made a strong late charge but fell just short, allowing Roman Dragon to hold on by a narrow nose. This victory marked the horse’s seventh win at Chester, a track where he has consistently performed well.
Palmer, speaking to Sky Sports Racing, highlighted the significant role of his team in this success. “Plaudits have to go entirely to my team as I have not laid eyes on this horse since his run at Ascot last weekend, as I’ve been at Goodwood,” he stated. He also reflected on the horse’s fluctuating form, noting that Roman Dragon’s current rating has dropped to 94 from 97 after previous races, which added to the challenge against the heavy favourite.
While discussing the race dynamics, Palmer acknowledged the courage displayed by both horses. “The second, who was the favourite, just hit a flat spot, and I’m amazed actually how well she rallied and nearly got us,” he remarked. The trainer had initially believed that Celandine would take the lead, but the outcome proved otherwise as Roman Dragon demonstrated his affinity for Chester’s track.
Palmer also shared insights into Roman Dragon’s potential future plans, hinting at a possible trip to Dubai in the winter. “I suspect he might have to go to Dubai and not Bahrain this winter though, as he’ll have gone up in the handicap a fair bit,” he said.
This victory not only highlights Roman Dragon’s talent but also underscores the unpredictable nature of horse racing, where form can change rapidly. Fans and followers of the sport can look forward to more thrilling races as Palmer and his team continue to strategize for the future.
