Kingston Hill Convincing St. Leger Winner

Roger Smith's Kingston Hill charged past runner-up Romsdal with a mighty late run and won the Ladbrokes St. Leger, the third jewel in England's Triple Crown, Sept. 13 at Doncaster.

 

Andrea Atzeni settled Kingston Hill at the back of the field in the early running and had plenty of ground to make up on Granddukeoftuscany, who led from the start and struck for home with more than three furlongs to run. 

 

Kingston Hill advanced into contention outside of rivals, and when Romsdal overtook Granddukeoftuscany to lead with a furlong to run the winner was closing ground with great strides. He leaned on recent Gordon Stakes (Eng-III) winner Snow Sky, however, and then hung left into Romsdal as he rushed past but went on to an authoritative 1 1/4-length as the 9-4 favorite. Snow Sky held on for third, two lengths back.

 

The interference was called into question and the connections of Kingston Hill had to wait out a stewards' inquiry, but officials let the result stand. 

 

In winning for the first time in four starts this year Kingston Hill was timed in 3:05.42 for the about 1 3/4-mile race on turf rated as good. The victory erased doubts over his ability on the ground, at the distance, and about his classic form; he was second to Australia in the Investec Epsom Derby, in which Romsdal was third, after an eighth-place finish in the QIPCO Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-I). 

 

In his start prior to the St. Leger, Kingston Hill was fourth in the 1 1/4-mile Eclipse Stakes (Eng-I) at Sandown Park in July. His appearance in the St.Leger came into doubt earlier in the week due to fears the drying-out course conditions would be too fast.

 

He was an undefeated 2-year-old and enjoyed his biggest career victory prior to the St. Leger last year at Doncaster in taking the Racing Post Trophy (Eng-I). 

 

The St. Leger marks the first British classic victory for trainer Roger Varian, who trains the colt for Paul Smith, son of Coolmore partner Derrick Smith.

 

"I'm not really a nervous person, but I did get nervous today," Varian said after the race. "I'm just so pleased for the horse, that he'll get the credit he deserves, and for the owner, who is a great man.

 

"This horse deserved to win a classic and he's done so."

 

Kingston Hill is from the first crop of Mastercraftsman. He was bred in Great Britain by Ridgecourt Stud out of French group III winner Audacieuse, by Rainbow Quest. Audacieuse is a half sister to 2010 Acomb Stakes (Eng-III) winner Walter's Dream. Second dam Sarah Georgina is a half sister to 1991 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (Fr-I, French One Thousand Guineas) winner Danseuse du Soir.

 

Bloodstock agent Charlie Gordon-Watson bought Kingston Hill for 70,000 guineas ($112,504) out of Book 2 at the 2012 Tattersalls October yearling sale. Woodcote Stud, agent, consigned.