Humidity followed in the footsteps of his brother Holloway Boy, capturing the Chesham Stakes

El hijo de Ulysses fue figura en el cierre de Royal Ascot, justificando su favoritismo y dando otro paso hacia las 2000 Guineas

Humidity proved a standout for Whatnan Racing in the closing chapter of Royal Ascot / ROYAL ASCOT

BERKSHIRE, Inglaterra (Special for Turf Diario).- As if following a script crafted with pinpoint precision, three years after Holloway Boy’s memorable debut victory in the Chesham Stakes (L), it was his full brother Humidity who etched his name into the history of the traditional 2-year-old feature that brings Royal Ascot to a close.

Purchased by Wathnan Racing following a promising debut win at Newbury, the son of Ulysses out of the prolific Sweet Solera not only justified his 5-2 favoritism, but did so with a polished and professional display. Sent straight to the lead under James Doyle, Humidity dug in gamely when faced with a stern challenge from Thesecretadversary (St Mark's Basilica) in the closing stages, pulling away late to score by a length. Moments Of Joy (Justify) finished a further 1 1/4 lengths back in third.

“He was the colt we had the highest hopes for this week, so I’m thrilled he delivered,” said trainer Andrew Balding. “He had to fight today. He’s very straightforward, didn’t do a thing wrong, and I expect he’ll stay further—though he’s got plenty of pace. He’s a beautiful mover and very relaxed. I think he could be a Guineas horse.”

For Doyle, who celebrated his fourth win of the Royal Meeting, it was all about the colt’s temperament and willingness: “He’s got a fantastic pedigree and an even better mind. We might have been a touch slow early on, and he took a moment to find his gear, but once he did, he stretched out beautifully. He’s got speed but also plenty of stamina. He’ll come forward a lot from this.”

Richard Brown, racing advisor for Wathnan Racing, expressed gratitude to Cheveley Park Stud and Mrs. Thompson, the colt’s breeders, for the opportunity to acquire him ahead of such a pivotal race. “He’s been a total professional since arriving. His brother has been a model of consistency, and this one looks to be following in those same footsteps. James gave him a flawless ride and Andrew had him spot on.”

Meanwhile, Fozzy Stack was pleased with the runner-up finish by Thesecretadversary: “He’s always shaped like one with talent. He’s got a bit of character, but also a lot of ability. We’ll decide whether to drop him to a conditions race or stay at this level. He’s got a future.”

Jockey Seamie Heffernan added: “He’s a very nice horse. All the St Mark’s Basilica progeny we have in the yard are of real quality—this one included.”