‘Exceptional’ Lost Boys brings fourth Royal Ascot victory for Wathnan

Lost Boys continued his rise towards Stakes class on Saturday when sealing a magnificent Royal Ascot four-timer for Wathnan Racing in the Golden Gates Stakes .

 Trained by David Menuisier, the son of Night Of Thunder because the third winner of the meeting for top New Zealand-born jockey James McDonald, who guided him to a half-length victory off a mark of 96.

“It is a real thrill winning here,” said Menuisier. “The first couple of furlongs were pretty stressful to say the least as he couldn’t get him to slot in and relax. Then, after the first bend, I was a little more hopeful as he looked like he was switching off and filling up the batteries to be able to finish off the race. And my God, what a finish he has. He is unbelievable. He was absolutely cruising turning in, and then it was a matter of getting the gaps.”

He continued, “I have said it before – he is an exceptional horse because he is showing different traits every time. 

“It is time to celebrate now. We will make plans later, but it is very exciting and Group races cannot be too far away.”

 McDonald added, “I can’t claim any credit – Lost Boys was all heart, and he had to be as good as he showed today, because it did not work out well. It was not smooth for me. We never got in a good rhythm at all, apart from halfway down when he had three or four furlongs where he relaxed for me. But he built underneath me so well at the top of the turn. 

 “He gave me a really nice feel, probably the feel of the week. I have ridden some really nice horses this week for Wathnan and he might be the best of them. He is a gorgeous horse to look at and rides just as good. The future is very bright, so I look forward to watching him from Down Under and seeing where he progresses.”