Bradsell and Hollie Doyle come up trumps in Nunthorpe Stakes

Third 12 months ago off the back of winning the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot, Archie Watson’s colt has endured an interrupted campaign this season, not making his reappearance until earlier this month.

However, having proved his considerable sprinting ability remains very much intact with an impressive comeback victory in a Listed event at Deauville, the son of Tasleet was well-backed at 3/1 for his return to Group One level and proved much the best in the hands of Hollie Doyle.

After getting a perfect lead into the race on the far side of the track by the rapid Czech raider Ponntos, Bradsell took over travelling strongly racing inside the two-furlong marker, with Doyle taking a look across the course to see how her rivals were faring.

She will certainly have liked what she saw, as it was quickly obvious Bradsell was in full control and he was good value for the winning margin of three-quarters of a length.

The consistent Believing finished with gusto closest to the stands rail to fill the runner-up spot, with Starlust and the Australian 6-4 favourite Asfoora close up in third and fourth respectively.

“We were getting him ready for Dubai in the spring and he fractured a fetlock in February and it’s been an amazing route back for him,” said Watson.

“I’m not one for sectionals, but I was told he did the fastest closing final two furlongs in the race last year. This year thankfully we were drawn with the Czech horse who goes off quick.

“When Regional and Live In The Dream came out I couldn’t decide if I wanted them in as pace angles or out as very good horses. Luckily Ponntos was always going to go what he did, but Hollie was even taking Bradsell back off him he was going so well today.

“I thought when the injury happened it would be a question of saving him for a stallion job next year, but at every stage he passed with flying colours. I know the vets like to stay behind the scenes, but they really have done a phenomenal job with this horse.”

He went on: “We still can’t believe a horse like this was buyable for £50,000. That is expensive for us and I know people see us as a big yard but we have very few six-figure horses and for us to compete at this sort of level by buying horses at a lower level, it means a lot.

“He won the Coventry and he’s a King’s Stand winner. Now he’s a Nunthorpe winner and I hope he can keep doing more.”

On his relationship with Doyle, Watson added: “It means so much more when it is the two of us having the winners together because we grew together.

“She was just out of her claim when she came to me from Richard Hannon and all of our Group One winners have been together. She is a massive part of the team, we work well together and long may it continue.”