Hawkbill heads Champion entry

Hawkbill, winner of the Coral-Eclipse, is among 55 entries for the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 15.

The Godolphin-owned colt could renew rivalry with The Gurkha and Time Test, who were second and third behind him at Sandown last month, should he line-up for Europe’s richest mile-and-a-quarter race.

Hawkbill was winning his sixth race in succession at Sandown and has since been given time to recharge his batteries ahead of his next objective, the Juddmonte International at York on August 17.

“He had a little bit of a break after Sandown and is on target to run next in the Juddmonte International,” said trainer Charlie Appleby.

“I’m sure it will be a good race and have a bearing on who we will see in the Qipco Champion Stakes on Champions Day.

“Hawkbill had a battle on his hands up the Sandown straight but he’s come out of it well and is getting mentally stronger with each run.

“It was pleasing to see The Gurkha subsequently go and do the job in the …

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