Oisin Murphy pled guilty to identity fraud on June 22 in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (G1). His impersonation of Jamie Spencer is very good Khaadem that it wasn’t until the camera zoomed in on the champion three times just behind the line that you realized it was him.
It’s an impression Alistair McGowan would be proud of. Murphy sat motionless most of the way and only poked Khaadem in the nose about 100 yards ahead. It is patience personified.
Khaadem is no battaash (Three-time champion sprinter), we knew that, but he became the first back-to-back winner of this Group 1 since Right Boy (GB) in 1959 and when he stepped aside right bed, he was really talented.
Charlie Hills admits he is a real character back home at his gallops.
Hills said of Khaadem: “He’s a great horse, but you never know what you’re going to achieve. He’s got a lot of ability, but day to day, he’s very different. One day at a time.” Then he’ll catch the bridle and you’ll think he’s Nijinsky, then you’ll think he’s the caster.
“He knows more about the game than any of us. He’s an extremely talented horse and it’s been a real pleasure to coach.”
Khaadem kept Hills guessing and he kept the punters guessing too. Last year he was 80-1, this time it’s just 14-1, but his odds could be better if he doesn’t beat a horse home in his prep run in Duke of York Stakes (G2) at Dante the month before the meeting. Spencer shunned him because Mitbaahy and who can blame him.
However, here is Khaadem in all his glory. Crisp, smooth and erupting with speed. Everything around him is in slow motion when he’s like this and, like William Buick above Mill Stream and Clifford Lee above follow along asked for everything, Murphy asked for nothing. It makes for beautiful viewing. He pressed the button at the perfect time and Khaadem scored on half-time.
A record breaker! KHADEM bravely won the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes under the direction of Oisin Murphy. It was the first time since 1959 that a horse had won a match race and the first time an eight-year-old had won! Kudos to Coach Charlie Hills, and… pic.twitter.com/PxtFq74aAg
– Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 22, 2024
Murphy said: “I loved it! I tried my best to play Jamie Spencer. But what a great horse. He’s only 8 years old and it’s back-to-back wins in this race. It’s been The incredible coaching performance of Charlie Hills and his team was fantastic.
“Honestly, I thought for most of the last two furlongs he was going to win and I could enjoy it a bit. The pace was very fast, especially after one furlong. When it started to slow down at the end, he came back to life. I just want to copy Jamie from last year!
Hills added of the winner: “What a horse, to win these two races, along with Palace House, the Stewards’ Cup and the King George at Goodwood. It’s unbelievable.
“He had a great ride there and he never looked like he was going to be beaten. He rode beautifully throughout the race. He loved the place and it was his first time has been on the ground quite a bit since he ran here last time. I think grounding quickly is key for him.”
