Jockey Kaiya Fraser achieved his first career Group victory on Tuesday, piloting the unbeaten colt Dr Rascal to a narrow win in the Group Two Vintage Stakes at Goodwood.
The Oliver Cole-trained two-year-old, a son of Sottsass, prevailed in a tight three-way battle against runner-up Haffner and third-placed Al Hudaiba.
Fraser secured his 37th win of the season after a bold inside-rail maneuver in the closing stages.
Dr Rascal entered the race off a victory at Ascot, where he ran loose before the start but still won by two and a quarter lengths over Rising Tiger.
In Tuesday's feature, Fraser positioned the colt in midfield for the first two furlongs before challenging long-time leader Pikachu in the home straight.
Jockey and Trainer Reactions
Fraser expressed his delight after the milestone win. "It's a big thrill," he said.
"I'm delighted with a first Group winner and in a Group Two on a nice two-year-old, it makes me look forward to the future."
He added: "I was travelling all over the back of the Amo horse [Pikachu] and the gap was wide enough for me to go through.
I knew how much horse I had underneath me after riding him the previous two times."
Trainer Oliver Cole registered his first victory in the event, which his father Paul Cole had won three times previously with Putra, Central Park, and Strategic Prince.
Cole outlined future plans for Dr Rascal, including a potential step up to top-tier company. "We'll probably look at the Group One Dewhurst Stakes," he said.
"He's definitely going to be stepping up to Group One company for his next run."
Cole also noted the significance for his team. "It means a lot, not just for me but the people at home who work so hard."
Opposing connections commented on their runners' performances.
Trainer Charlie Appleby said of third-placed Al Hudaiba: "He had the 3lb penalty against a couple of unexposed horses.
I don't think he lost too much in defeat."
Aidan O'Brien, trainer of runner-up Haffner, said: "We are very happy – he ran very well. We are not sure about plans for what's next."
