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Outsider Hawaiian Freeze, ridden by Philip Prince, won the Clarendon at Les Landes today, just keeping off a strong challenge by Benoordenhout to take the prestigious first prize.
Trained by James Moon, Hawaiian Freeze was not considered a primary threat in the second biggest race of the season, with a first prize of £2,380, but favourite Aussie Lyrics was never really in the frame.
There was a delay of almost half an hour after a stewards’ enquiry was announced for the Clarendon’s top two places, but the result never appeared in much doubt and Hawaiian Freeze was eventually given the nod, just minutes before the next race.
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Aussie Lyrics was trying to complete a rare ‘double double’ by winning both the Derby and Clarendon in successive years - the last horse to d so was Compassionate in 2000-1 - but the 15lbs extra weight for the one and a half mile handicap was simply too much for the Christa Gilbert-trained horse.
In the end, Hawaiian Freeze led from the front and although Benoordenhout put in a fine effort in the final furlong, the gap was always likely to be enough.
Country Blue, trained by Alyson Malzard and with Mattie Batchelor on board, just edged home ahead of First Cat in the second race to take the £1,780 first prize over a five and a half furlong sprint.
The fourth race provided a shock as little-backed Ocean Crystal kept off the attentions of Lady Petrus to win over one and a quarter miles, with jockey Freddie Tett enjoying the victory.
In the final race, a one mile 100 yards handicap, there was another surprise as Fast Freddie, with Nora Looby on board, galloped away at the finish to demolish the five-horse field.
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