Simenon 2nd in the Lonsdale Cup Ahzeemah got the better of a protracted duel with Simenon to land the Weatherbys Hamilton Insurance Lonsdale Cup at York on Thursday afternoon. Silvestre de Sousa had the 4/1 second-favourite in a perfect position throughout the race, tracking the long-time leader Simenon before pouncing in the final furlong to record a head victory. Simenon, who had finished second in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot behind Estimate, led for the majority of the race and the 15/8 favourite looked to have stolen a march on his rivals turning for home as Johnny Murtagh steered him towards the stands side. However, Ahzeemah would not go away despite racing down the centre of the track and the pair wandered towards each other as the final furlong approached. It was the Godolphin runner though who proved to be the more resolute though in the end and his jockey was quick to praise his mount after the race. "He's been an amazing horse as he's had a very tough campaign and been very busy," said de Sousa. "He's so genuine but he's a bit laid-back so I needed to ask him to do his work. I knew the position I was in and when I asked him, he fought well." Simon Crisford, representing the owners Godolphin, was also visibly delighted after the race. "He's an incredible horse and we're lucky to have him," said Crisford. "He just loves to win and is a credit to his sire Dubawi who has proven to be an amazing stallion. His progeny all want to win and this one is no exception. He produces horses of Classic material over all sorts of distances. "Ahzeemah's not overly big but I've never known a horse who wants to win so much. He could possibly head to the Gold Cup at Ascot next year but we might look at the Melbourne Cup or the Qipco Stayers' Race (at Ascot) before that."
