Pershaada demonstrated a powerful turn of speed to claim the Veuve Clicquot Molecomb Stakes at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, setting up what her trainer described as a likely bid for the Nunthorpe Stakes at York.
Late run seals Group Three success
Ridden by Sean Levey, Pershaada overcame traffic problems mid-race before finding a decisive opening and finishing strongly to overhaul long-time leader Adonius, who finished two lengths clear of the remainder of the field. The victory underlined the filly’s five-furlong credentials following a course-and-distance success earlier in the season.
“She’s a very talented filly and I think we might go for the Nunthorpe now,”
The sentiment came from Richard Hannon, who also noted the significance for the filly’s sire. He pointed to Pershaada’s sharp recent work and her connection to the stallion Persian Force, for whom the result is a positive advertisement.
Form lines and wider context
Pershaada’s success also enhances the standing of the Queen Mary Stakes form from Royal Ascot, where she finished fourth to Victorious. Another horse from that race, Wild Blossom, has also added a Group Three victory in the same period, reinforcing the strength of that earlier contest.
Rebecca Menzies, whose runner Adonius finished a creditable second, highlighted the performance as validation for her yard and hinted at future targets possibly abroad on slightly faster ground.
- Winner: Pershaada (trained by Richard Hannon)
- Second: Adonius (trained by Rebecca Menzies)
- Winning margin: two lengths
What this means for future plans
The combination of Pershaada’s raw speed over five furlongs and her recent racecraft has prompted her team to contemplate a move to York for the Nunthorpe, a race that has often shaped sprinting careers. Hannon referenced historical precedents within his family’s training ranks as evidence the filly could be competitive at that level, particularly when her weight allowance is factored in.
| Race | Venue | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Veuve Clicquot Molecomb Stakes | Goodwood | Group Three win for Pershaada |
For local racing followers and owners, the result is a reminder of the progressive careers young sprinters can enjoy through targeted entries. Connections will now weigh the Nunthorpe option alongside other opportunities, mindful of ground, weight and the stiff competition that characterises late-summer sprinting at the highest level.
Coverage will follow as connections confirm any entry plans for York.
