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Royal Ascot 2024: Newmarket trainer Roger Varian celebrates first Group 1 victory at meeting after Charyn wins Queen Anne Stakes




Newmarket trainer Roger Varian celebrated his first Group 1 victory at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

The Carlburg Stables-based handler had enjoyed plenty of previous success at the meeting, yet none of his 12 victories had been at the highest level.

However, that wait is now over after Charyn triumphed in the Queen Anne Stakes – the opening race of the five-day event.

Charyn breaks for home during Tuesday’s victory at Royal Ascot Picture: Megan Coggin
Charyn breaks for home during Tuesday’s victory at Royal Ascot Picture: Megan Coggin

It was also a first success at the top table for the four-year-old, who started the mile-long contest as the 100/30 favourite and was ridden by Silvestre de Sousa in the colours of Nurlan Bizakov.

Varian said: “It doesn't get any better, a Group 1 at Royal Ascot. I am really delighted for his owner, who has invested so much in the game and has supported me for a number of years. For my team I am delighted, as everyone works so hard at home. It is a great day and we'll enjoy it.

“You have to say Charyn has improved as he's got older. He ran some fine races in defeat last year. He was in the biggest races, on the top table and didn't disgrace himself.

“He seems to have found another level of form this year. His run in the Lockinge last time was an outstanding run, and he's confirmed that today so I'm thrilled.

“Silvestre is convinced he will stay a mile and a quarter, and I kind of agree with him, but he's not doing much wrong over a mile at the moment, so I wouldn't be in a rush to change things.

“This is a tough week, a really difficult week. It is hard to win here. When you’ve got off the mark on the first day, it makes you breathe a bit easier, but it’s not that the pressure’s off, not at all.”

Meanwhile, victorious jockey De Sousa added: “What I did there was very little. I just had to wait for the right moment, and Charyn won quite nicely.

“At halfway, I thought I don't want to get there too soon. He is such a gentleman and you just have to ask him the questions.”