Fine run by Drama as Aviator flies in

A superb effort by Endless Drama and a stunning win by Imperial Aviator were highlights of an excellent trip to Newbury for Qatar Racing.

Endless Drama, ridden by Colin Keane and running for the first time since taking second place in last year's Irish 2000 Guineas, justified the patience of his owners and trainer Ger Lyons when running third in the Gr.1 Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (pictured below, centre, in pink check colours). Qatar Racing's Arod, who is waiting for firmer ground, was a non-runner.

Beaten just one length and a neck by winner Belardo and runner-up Euro Charline, Endless Drama pleased Lyons, who told the Racing Post: ‚"You have to be delighted with that after a year out. Royal Ascot now, but he won¬¥t go on extremes and wouldn¬¥t run if there is firm in the description. You¬¥d like to think something like the Irish Champion Stakes later in the season would suit him.‚"

Sheikhs Khalifa and Suhaim share ownership of the colt with Qatar Racing, while Imperial Aviator, who is trained by Roger Charlton, is also in a partnership. He now carries Qatar Racing colours, but Daniel Hunt and Eileen Markham, in whose colours he has raced previously, retain shares.

A three-year-old, Imperial Aviator lined up in the Al Zubarah London Gold Cup and scored impressively, putting three and a half lengths between himself and his nearest rival in a race that had been labelled 'a hot handicap' in advance. Charlton said the colt had improved with each run, and mentioned Royal Ascot's Gr.3 Tercentenary Stakes as a possible next target.

Lustrous Light, a son of Galileo, is Qatar Racing's sole runner today he makes his debut in a 21-runner mile maiden at Navan (17.00) for Lyons' stable.

Photograph: Laurence Squire