Royal Ascot news: Rohaan repeat was ‘never in doubt’ as David Evans takes Wokingham Stakes
- Planet Sport writer
- 18 June 2022
Top-weight Rohaan made history by becoming the fifth horse to claim successive Wokingham Handicap successes.
Ryan Moore threaded the eye of the needle as he helped Rohaan to the six-furlong Royal Ascot cavalry charge.
The four-year-old, trained by David Evans, saved his best for last as Moore bided his time before knifing through a gap near the stands side.
The jockey manoeuvred his way between Popmaster and Mr Wagyu to win by three-quarters of a length.
Thanks to his ingenuity, the 38-year-old scooped his ninth Royal Ascot top jockey award following his seventh win of the week.
Popmaster finished the race in second, while Jumby stayed on well for third. Recent Epsom winner Mr Wagyu looked tired towards the closing stages and fell back in the order.
Evans said: "Ryan knew what to do and instilled confidence into the horse.
Unbelievable ride from Ryan Moore and it’s back-to-back Wokinghams for Rohaan at Royal @Ascot! pic.twitter.com/12BgD7haOi
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 18, 2022
"I felt from two out the result was never in doubt. It was a fantastic performance.
"He's a cut above them on his day. He's had his problems, but he was ready."
Moore said: "On this horse I knew from two and a half out that he was coming right back to form and that he was going to win.
"He felt like the horse of old and all credit to David for getting him there."
Chris Kiely, who co-owns Rohaan with footballer James Tomkins, saluted the effort of Evans and "the best moment of my life".
He said: "Dave the magician got him right and kept him ready. He said two weeks ago that Rohaan is absolutely flying. I don't know he has got him back. I thought we may have been too hard on him. This is the best moment of my life.
"I've had two kids and got married, but this is the best moment of my life. This thing was done three months ago."
