Godolphin runner edges Coolmore’s Camille Pissarro in lucrative contest.
Hallasan made a significant profit in the Weatherbys Scientific GBP 300,000 2-Y-O Stakes at Doncaster, continuing his ascent.
On his first three appearances, Charlie Appleby's young horse was a beaten favourite, but he finished each time and gave those who stuck with him a reason to celebrate when he made a spectacular debut at Nottingham in July.
Returning from a mid-season hiatus, the gelded son of Pinatubo was a 15-2 shot who wisely picked up speed to take the lead inside the final two furlongs under William Buick's encouraging saddle.
So close! Hallasan gets the better of Camille Pissarro by the barest of margins at @DoncasterRaces! 🔵@WilliamBuickX | @godolphin pic.twitter.com/7EnvmnaQTv
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 12, 2024
Soon after, Ryan Moore delivered 11-4 favorite Camille Pissarro with what appeared to be a winning run, but despite his best efforts, he was never able to reconcile with Hallasan, who the judge confirmed had clung on by a nose as the two passed the post nearly simultaneously.
"He delved quite far. About the winner, Buick remarked, "He's sort of been in front for a long time, but he kept responding,, and I'm delighted with him."
"He is a horse who had a lot of potential at a young age, and he may be reaching his potential today.
Even if he is a sharp horse, he might get seven (furlongs). He hadn't raced in a long time before today, so it's clear he's getting better at the perfect time of year. It's a great event to win."
Hallasan strikes gold in the GBP 300,000 @weatherbysltd sales race @DoncasterRaces for @godolphin and @WilliamBuickX pic.twitter.com/Fv7PDS2cM0
— Ashley Iveson (@AshIveson) September 12, 2024
"Will was very pleased with him; he's toughed it out well and showed plenty of speed," Appleby's assistant Alex Merriam continued.
"We had anticipated that this small horse would mature quickly, but in reality, he has simply taken some time to find his true calling.
It is great for us to win a nice race with one of his since he is certainly a Pinatubo.
"I've just spoken to Charlie, and he said he thought he might be a nice horse to take to Dubai."
