The latest British juvenile with Royal Ascot ambitions was unleashed on Monday. Aperoll won in good style at Newbury and could be targeted at the Listed Chesham Stakes by Richard Hannon.
Aperoll carried colours more often found over fences or hurdles. She is owned by Johnny de la Hey, the owner who recently removed the majority of his horses from Paul Nicholls’ care. The likes of Cyrname have been his flagbearers, but those silks are rarely seen on the level.
Aperoll carried them with distinction at Newbury on Monday though. The chestnut filly saw her out her debut race well, defeating a horse of Andrew Balding’s who already had racecourse experience. The winning margin of a length was cosy under Pat Dobbs, while Hannon’s charge had been well-backed beforehand.
The daughter of Ghaiyyath was sold for 80,000gns as a yearling despite her half-siblings lacking any wins on their CVs. Aperoll was therefore a history-maker in that respect and could aim for even greater glory at the royal meeting next month.
“The Chesham is a race we could look at” – Hannon
Entries are yet to be made for the two-year-old races at Royal Ascot. However, from Hannon’s post-race excitement, it would be no surprise if Aperoll were among those seeking regal honours. For that, he credits all connections involved with the filly.
“These guys (the owners) always come down and have a look at the yearlings we have got for sale,” Hannon said, as reported by the Sporting Life. “This one was one that Johnny’s daughter Claudia fell in love with.
“She is an extremely good filly, and she will get further. I’m delighted for everyone.
“The Chesham is a race we could look at, but she is an extremely nice filly for a lot of nice races. It is a long year and you have got to think of next year as well. I could give you a list of Group One winners that we have had that didn’t go to Royal Ascot at two.
“I’d love to think she could be a Royal Ascot filly though, and she certainly looked it there. That is a decision to make in a week’s time. She is going to want seven furlongs next time though. She is a good filly and those are the ones you want.”
Haatem got on the board for the Hannon team at Royal Ascot 2025. He is yet to win the Chesham Stakes, though Richard Hannon Sr won the race two years in a row in 2008 and 2009.