Lake Forest’s Australian exploits have Haggas dreaming for next year

The world really could be Lake Forest’s oyster in 2025, as his phenomenal Golden Eagle triumph opens up a raft of options for William Haggas’ Rosehill hero.

Owned by Brighton and Hove Albion supremo Tony Bloom alongside Ian McAleavy, the son of No Nay Never secured well over £2 million in prize money with his successful Australian raid, becoming the first British-trained winner of what is the world’s second-richest turf race.

Lake Forest had never raced beyond six furlongs before his trip to the southern hemisphere, but he took the step up to seven-and-a-half-furlongs in his stride in the Sydney suburbs.

He was still full of running when delivered to strike with a trademark late burst by Cieren Fallon and Haggas is now even considering races at a mile for the lightly-raced colt next year, as the trainer seeks the elusive Group One victory missing from Lake Forest’s CV.

Haggas said: “He was fantastic, what a performance. He’s on his way home actually, he had to go to Melbourne to fly home and he’s on his way to Heathrow.

“He won a lot of money but still hasn’t won a Group One – even though the monetary-value of the race is Group One level it was actually a conditions race.

“We need to prioritise winning a Group One now, he won a Group Two (Gimcrack Stakes) as a two-year-old and has been second in a Group One (behind Inisherin in the Commonwealth Cup).

“He’s a really useful horse and we can hopefully look forwards to some good days next year.”