Montassib magic for Haggas and Fallon in Sprint Cup
Trained by William Haggas and ridden by Cieren Fallon, the six-year-old had been off the track since winning the Group Three Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle in June.
However, he shrugged off that lengthy absence in style, coming from well off the pace to grab Group One glory from the James Fanshawe-trained Kind Of Blue.
Fellow Haggas inmate Unequal Love kept on to take third, with 50-1 shot Vadream edged into fourth.
A jubilant Fallon said: “What a performance, he’s a horse you have to have confidence in and take your time. He’s done nothing but improve and I’m very lucky to keep on him.
“To ride a Group One for Mr Haggas and Maureen (Haggas), I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today without them.”
Haggas was pleasantly surprised as he admitted he had expected “not much” coming into the race.
He said: “I thought Unequal Love might run well as she’s such a genuine filly, but I thought the ground would be too quick for Montassib. I also thought all the action would be on the stands rail.
“Now we have found his right trip, I’ve been running him over seven furlongs and a mile before. He’s pretty effective at six furlongs.
“I don’t like beating James at all because he’s my mate and we see each other every morning on the gallops, but we’re delighted to win.
“Cieren is doing really well, he’s had a couple of injuries which has been upsetting for him and annoying for us, but he’s riding with lots of confidence and gets a tune out of this horse, which is terrific.
“We were going to go to Ireland for a warm up for Ascot, but I guess it will be straight there (Champions Day) now.
“That six furlongs there if we get the soft ground should suit him well.
“I’m thrilled to bits, didn’t expect that at all and I can’t tell you how pleased I am.”
Of Unequal Love, he added: “I don’t think she wants it too soft, I don’t know whether we’ll keep her next year but she’s definitely a Group One filly. She ran a fantastic race today.”