Almaqam made a triumphant return to the winner’s enclosure with a polished performance at Sandown Park, proving that patience and belief can pay off in the world of top-class flat racing. The talented colt, trained by Ed Walker, finally secured the Group race success that connections had long anticipated in the prestigious Brigadier Gerard Stakes.
Returning to the scene of his Listed Heron Stakes win last year, Almaqam showcased maturity and determination, leading from the front in the ten-furlong contest. After a frustrating spell without a win, including a recent third-place finish over the same course and distance, the four-year-old turned the page with a convincing victory.
The race wasn’t without drama. Ombudsman, previously unbeaten and making his seasonal debut, appeared poised to challenge late on. Yet, Almaqam found more under pressure, responding willingly to Oisin Murphy’s urgings and staying on powerfully to finish a length and three-quarters clear.
Walker expressed both relief and admiration for his colt’s character and composure. Unlike the previous year when the horse needed extra equipment to stay calm, this time he was notably relaxed, a sign of his mental and physical development. According to the trainer, that increased maturity may have made all the difference, especially following a below-par seasonal reappearance.
Concerns about the ground conditions added another layer of uncertainty heading into the race, particularly as other runners with a preference for softer going opted out earlier in the day. But after a personal inspection of the track, Walker was satisfied it was safe and suitable for his charge. His trust in Almaqam’s readiness was rewarded in emphatic style.
The performance also reignited hopes for major summer targets, including a potential tilt at the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot. Bookmakers were quick to take notice, shortening his odds significantly after the win. However, Walker remains focused on choosing the right conditions and races, noting that Almaqam’s effectiveness seems tied closely to the ground.
There are grander ambitions on the horizon too. The colt has entries in marquee events like the Champion Stakes and even the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. While some may view the Arc as an ambitious goal, both Murphy and Ryan Moore have hinted that Almaqam may be capable of staying a mile and a half — a distance that would open up even more opportunities.
Murphy, who guided the colt with tactical precision, was full of praise for his mount’s temperament and athleticism. He noted that when key contenders scratched from the field, it created an opportunity to control the pace. That plan unfolded perfectly as Almaqam dictated terms without overextending himself.
The win marked a satisfying milestone for all involved, affirming the faith placed in a horse long considered capable of making a splash at the highest level. With his confidence restored and a clear path ahead, Almaqam now looks ready to take on the biggest stages in European flat racing.
