The £125,000 (US $185,300) Hardwicke Stakes (G2) at 1 1/2 miles for older horses was first run in 1879, named after the 5th Earl of Hardwicke, Master of the Buckhounds from 1874-1879, and is the major local prep for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) which is run in July over the same course and distance. Harbinger was sent off as the 8-11 favorite in the field of 11, over 8-1 second choice Duncan and 10-1 third choice Wajir. 18-1 Barshiba went to the early lead and was stalked the whole way by 12-1 Crowded House and 20-1 South Easter for the first mile. At the 1/2 mile pole, Harbinger was asked by jockey Ryan Moore and he moved to the outside of the pacesetter to challenge. At the 1/4 pole, Harbinger passed the tiring pacesetters and drew off to win by 3 1/2 lengths over late-running Duncan in 2:27.36 over good-to-firm turf. It was a long 6 lengths back to Barshiba third.
Harry Herbert, managing director of ownership group Highclere Thoroughbred Racing said, "It's been an incredible week. To have three winners and a short head with four different syndicates is fantastic. The horse has just shouted and I think he said King George! Sir Michael has got the Derby winner (Workforce) but if he wants to run in the King George we have no problem with that."
Trainer Sir Michael Stoute added, "He was very professional today. he travelled so well. We need to sit back and have a good old chat (about his next start)."
Photo courtesy of Bill Feltner of Shoot It Photography
