Botagoz produced a thrilling late surge to land the Group Three Hoppings Stakes at Newcastle on Friday evening, getting up just in time to deny last year’s winner on the line.

This highly progressive filly was making only the fourth start of her career and now has Group One opportunities to consider.

The victory marked the third time Roger has trained the winner of this race, following the successes of Zeyaadah in 2021 and Al Husn in 2023.

Huge congratulations go to Botagoz’s dedicated groom Garry Huntley, who was also responsible for Zeyaadah and Al Husn, her regular rider Ash Bipundra and her successful owner Nurlan Bizakov.

Botagoz looks set to be a valuable addition to the Sumbe broodmare band in the future and we all look forward to seeing her progress through the Summer.