Son of Kodiac lands Bahrain highlight

Classic-placed Hi Royal bounced back winning form when successful in the Al Dana Cup (sponsored by Al Salam Bank) in Bahrain on Friday.

The son of Kodiac boasts some previous smart form for Kevin Ryan, notably when second to Chaldean in the 2,000 Guineas.

Sporting the colours of Al Mohamediya Racing and ridden by Neil Callan for trainer Kevin Ryan, Hi Royal won by 3 ¼ lengths from Cloud Seeker.

Speaking after the race, jockey Neil Callan said: “To be winning in these colours in the Kingdom of Bahrain, it’s always very special, but to do so for my old friend Kevin Ryan, it’s a bit more special. This horse has a lot of ability, he was placed in two 2000 Guineas, so off a rating of 97 he was bound to come good at some stage.”

Hi Royal was bred by Rabbah Bloodstock out of the Street Cry mare Majestic Roi, winner of the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes.