MIKE de Kock chalked up exciting victories with a pair of well-bred, promising young horses in races on the July track at Newmarket, UK, on Friday afternoon.  Tannaaf (IRE) and Batrana (GB), both claimed their first career wins in good style for jockey Pat Cosgrave.

Batrana had the measure of her rivals a long way out. (photo from Newmarket Racecourse  FB profile).

Tannaaf, a two-year-old colt by High Chaparral, was bought for 285,000gns at the Tattersalls Sale. He drew notable market support before the running of a Maiden Stakes over 1400m, opening around 11-1, touching 10s and 8s before firming into 7-1. The well-made bay delighted his supporters with an authoritative display in a contest regarded by a few seasoned local experts to have been packed with quality horseflesh.

In the vanguard with some speed around him, Tannaaf ran along steadily in Cosgrave’s hands. Asked to go, he quickened well approaching the final furlong and got the better of the opposition with little fuss . He was well in command at the line, drawing away for a two-length success over trainer Richard Hannon’s outsider, Shadow Rock.

Mike, who is on a routine visit to Mauritius to monitor the well-being of his latest Dubai-bound contingent, spoke highly of the eye-catching youngsters, both owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum.

He commented: “Tannaaf works exceptionally well at home, he shows talent. It’s early days, but he could be a Guineas prospect. You’ll have to go a long way to find a horse that moves this well. He has a magnificent action, we’ll be looking for more progress.”

Tanaaf quickened in the fashion of a good sort to win going away.

Cosgrave said: “Tannaaf is a nice horse but he is very immature mentally and is big and backward.The more he runs the better he will get. He will be a nice horse next year.”

Batrana, a three-year-old daughter of Cape Cross, went one better than on her debut at the track three weeks ago, winning easily over the straight mile. Travelling well throughout, Batrana had plenty in hand when her rivals came under pressure at the business end. She shot clear of Godolphin’s hot-pot favourite, Royal Flag and won by 3,75-lengths despite hanging in over the last 100m.

“To be honest I got Batrana beat last time as I didn’t ride her the right way but she has won today and done it nicely,” Cosgrave noted on completion of the De Kock-double – Batrana also being the third leg of the jock’s own treble after he’d won an earlier race for Hannon.

Mike said: “Batrana has the scope to go on to better things, time will tell. Jehan Malherbe and I bought her in Italy, compliments  to him and Form Bloodstock. And of course well done to Sheik Mohammed, who should have some fun with these buys and to Patsy (Cosgrave), who acquitted himself very well today. He works hard and helps us at the yard.  We like to see him in a confident frame of mind and winning races.”

He added: “Let me not forget to mention my team of assistants at Newmarket, Steven, Jean and Lisa. Our horses are always in good hands, they are professionals who take their jobs seriously. Our winners don’t come out of turn.”