Lake Forest’s Australian exploits have Haggas dreaming for next year

The world really could be Lake Forest’s oyster in 2025, as his phenomenal Golden Eagle triumph opens up a raft of options for William Haggas’ Rosehill hero.

Owned by Brighton and Hove Albion supremo Tony Bloom alongside Ian McAleavy, the son of No Nay Never secured well over £2 million in prize money with his successful Australian raid, becoming the first British-trained winner of what is the world’s second-richest turf race.

Lake Forest had never raced beyond six furlongs before his trip to the southern hemisphere, but he took the step up to seven-and-a-half-furlongs in his stride in the Sydney suburbs.

He was still full of running when delivered to strike with a trademark late burst by Cieren Fallon and Haggas is now even considering races at a mile for the lightly-raced colt next year, as the trainer seeks the elusive Group One victory missing from Lake Forest’s CV.

Haggas said: “He was fantastic, what a performance. He’s on his way home actually, he had to go to Melbourne to fly home and he’s on his way to Heathrow.

“He won’t run again this year but he will come back next year with lots of options now as he looked like a mile would be well within his compass which really opens a few doors.

“He won a lot of money but still hasn’t won a Group One – even though the monetary-value of the race is Group One level it was actually a conditions race.

“We need to prioritise winning a Group One now, he won a Group Two (Gimcrack Stakes) as a two-year-old and has been second in a Group One (behind Inisherin in the Commonwealth Cup).

“He’s a really useful horse and we can hopefully look forwards to some good days next year.”