Desert does it again!

13 October 2019


Yesterday provided a fourth straight victory for the seven-year-old, who has been in magnificent form throughout the summer and into autumn.

With jockey Andrea Atzeni aboard for the first time in a year, the evergreen Trillium Place campaigner gave a stirring display as he came from behind to deliver a sustained strong challenge.

Desert Encounter seized control in the last furlong of the mile and a half race, staying on powerfully to score by half a length.

Trainer David Simcock said: “It’s great when you’ve got a horse that can go around and travel like that.

“Andrea gave him a lovely ride. The horse missed the break, as he can, but Andrea didn’t panic and timed his run perfectly.”

The Abdulla Al Mansoori-owned Desert Encounter has now won four Group or Grade races since August 2, striking at Glorious Goodwood, Windsor and Newbury before this Canadian success.

Asked what the secret to the horse is, David replied: “It’s a question of keeping him happy.

“We obviously know him very well because we’ve had him since day dot. He is happy doing what he does.

“You know when he’s coming right. He probably takes a run, maybe two, to get him spot-on. And then once he’s into it, it’s very straightforward.”