The Tin Man shows his mettle for jubilant Queally

Queally and The Tin Man triumph in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Tom Queally was buzzing after steering The Tin Man to a decisive victory in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes.

The 13/2 shot scored by a length and a short-head from Growl (50/1) and Brando (14/1). Quiet Reflection (seventh), Twilight Son (eleventh) and Mecca’s Angel (twelfth) – all Series winners this year – were unable to reproduce their best.

Queally will alway be known for his association with Frankel, who won all 14 of his races – including nine British Champions Series contests.

He has endured mixed fortunes since Frankel’s triumph and this was his first Group One triumph since Frankel bowed out with his Champion Stakes triumph four years ago.

“There are loads of people involved in this horse and it is a big deal for a lot of people who aren’t really, really wealthy – I understand what that means, and know what has gone into this horse,” Queally said. “He hasn’t had the easiest preparation all season and it is great when it all comes together. It’s fantastic.

“The post-Frankel years have been difficult. But it’s like poker – if you keep going to the table, you’ve got a chance of getting a hand. I was dealt the best hand of all time a few years ago, but I know I am capable of playing a hand if I get it. I’ve had to wait a while, but I’m getting a kick out of it.”

Trainer James Fanshawe was enjoying his second victory in the race as Deacon Blues, a half-brother to The Tin Man, won it in 2011. The stable also landed the 2013 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes with Seal Of Approval.

“He’s been a very difficult horse to get right this year – in the Spring he didn’t really thrive, and while I thought I’d got him right for Royal Ascot it didn’t work out,” Fanshawe said. “Then the ground came up soft at Haydock [Sprint Cup] and so this is the first time this year we’ve had a really clear run with him, although it’s easy to say in hindsight.

“It’s been a really big team effort to get him right for today. Jacko [his wife] started the Fred Archer Syndicate – Archer built my yard. He’s a very exciting horse and on his day he’s very good, but you’ve got to get them right.”