Halation off the mark for Qatar Racing - Thunder back tomorrow

The three-year-old gelding was bought by David Redvers Bloodstock on behalf of his current owners when offered at Tattersalls' July Sale, held in Newmarket earlier this month (he is pictured outside the auction ring). It took a bid of 120,000gns to secure Halation, who was offered by the Castlebridge Consignment, but had been racing for Marco Botti's stable.

Botti's Newmarket-based training colleague David Simcock noticed the horse's potential - unraced at two, he had won twice since the turn of this year and was clearly progressive - and suggested to Redvers and Sheikh Fahad that he could be a useful addition to Qatar Racing. At Sandown he made his debut for Simcock's stable over a mile with Jamie Spencer in the saddle.

Following the victory, Simcock told the Racing Post: "He isn't flashy, but he showed a lot of guts." A flatter track and stronger pace are thought likely to suit Halation, who could be a contender for races at next year's Dubai Carnival.

Glorious Goodwood continues today, and while there is no Qatar Racing involvement on the card there will be plenty at the meeting tomorrow.

Lightning Thunder, who has been placed in two Classic races this season, reappears in the Gr.3 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes (2.30), while Extortionist and Wind Fire line up in the Gr.2 Betfred King George Stakes (3.40). In the Gr.3 L'Ormarins Queens Plate Stakes (4.50 - better known as the Oak Tree Stakes) the team is represented by Queen Catrine and Valonia.