2008 Keeneland Week 3

Six older horses entered the $150,000 Royal Chase for the Sport of Kings (G1),a 2 1/2 mile trip over national fences on Thursday. Favorite Sweet Shani led the way, opening up by as much as nine lengths over the first 2 3/8 miles. However, in the final furlong, Sovereign Duty, who raced in second the whole way, moved up to challenge, drawing even with the favorite at the 1/16 pole, then dug in late to prevail by a neck in 4:58.13 over the firm course. It was another 3 lengths back to Best Attack third.

Winning trainer Jonathan Sheppard said, "It was a tremendous finish. I think the fans got a big kick out of it."

Jockey Danielle Hodsdon added, "He's very, very tough that way. He won his last race the same way. If he gets to the last fence, he can lock on to the horse in front of him, and he is not going to quit until he gets past."
Results chart