Limato loses his unbeaten status in Haydock

Adaay ended the unbeaten run of Limato to claim the 888sport Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock Park.

Mattmu took the field through the early stages on the far side, tracked around three lengths in arrears by Limato, while Markaz was prominent in the middle of the track and Paul Hanagan happily settled Adaay towards the rear.

Even-money favourite Limato improved two furlongs out but Adaay (6-1) did likewise and had the sharper change of gear through the final 200 yards, holding on by a ready length. New Providence was another head back in third.

Limato had twice beaten the William Haggas-trained winner during his five-race streak, but could not quite cope in this newly upgraded Group Two affair.

Hanagan said: "I'm thrilled with him. I think that is the key to riding him, drop him out and get him nice and relaxed. He has nice turn of foot.

"They have done a great job with him, he's matured as he could be a bit free. He's really grown up and has a big future. I think it all just came a bit quick for him last year. We'll speak to Sheikh Hamdan and see what he says."

The first two look set to clash once more in the inaugural Commonwealth Cup on June 19.

Speaking from Newmarket, the winning trainer said: "He won well, although I've not spoken to anyone yet. I'm really pleased. Limato beat him first time out, but our horses have been coming on for the run. He will now go for the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot."

Haggas's wife Maureen added: "We're thrilled with him. He's run a great race. Whether we handled the ground better than Limato, who knows? I think they're two very good horses. It's going to be a strong race at Ascot with these two, Tiggy Wiggy and a few others.

"We've always liked this horse. He went off a bit last year, but he was nice and chilled out today. He handled that ground well, but we've always thought he'd be a better horse on top of the ground.

"Who knows what it will be like at Ascot? It still feels like March to me and we're not far away!"

Henry Candy was pleased with Limato in defeat, but felt underfoot conditions may have blunted his acceleration.

He said: "He ran a great race. He's just not the same on that ground. We know he wants top of the ground. He picked up all right, but he just isn't quite the same horse that he is on top of the ground.

"We had to find out whether he could do the same on that ground and we know now. We just have to hope it warms up before Ascot."