Haatef set for holiday

Haatef is unlikely to be seen again this season after his rousing success at Ascot on Sunday.

Kevin Prendergast’s colt relished the drop back in trip at the Berkshire venue to short-head Dark Missile in the Diadem Stakes.

The Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned three-year-old is now set for a break after a campaign which began over a mile in the 2000 Guineas and ended with Group Two glory over six furlongs.

“He has only run seven times but has now won four and has also been fourth in a Group One,” reflected Prendergast.

“He’s been grand for me and has not done a great deal wrong.

“I’ll obviously have to discuss it with the owner, but from my point of view he would be finished for the season.”

Although Haatef has recorded three of his four wins over six furlongs, Prendergast would have no qualms in pitching the son of Danzig over further on his return.

“I’d again have to discuss it with the owner but he was still going at Ascot and I’m sure he would be able to step up another furlong or two,” added the County Kildare handler.

“He will be a nice four-year-old.”