For his first run of 2021, Al Shaqab Racing’s homebred Toro Strike cruised to an impressive victory in the Michael Foster Conditions Stakes for four-year-olds and older over 1,400m at Thirsk, UK, enhancing his strike rate to three wins, on Saturday.
The four-year-old colt, who is trained by Richard Fahey, was quickly away before being settled towards the rear under jockey Paul Hanagan. Outpaced at the halfway point, he was ridden strongly by his jockey. Despite being off the bridle, in the straight he managed to find another gear to run on and, coming from last to first, won by 2¼ lengths. The Richard Hannon-trained Motakhayyel finished runner-up with Jim Crowley in the saddle. The David O'Meara-trained and Daniel Tudhope-helmed Azano was a further half-a-length in third.
Bred by Al Shaqab Racing, Toro Strike is by Al Shaqab Racing sire Toronado, who stands at Haras de Bouquetot in France.