Hajras collects the Duty

Hajras went some way to fulfilling his potential in the Dubai Duty Free Handicap at Newbury.

A season that had promised plenty for the three year old since his second to the re-opposing Expense Claim over course and distance in May finally burst into life.

Mark Johnston's colt had won at Ascot but two disappointing runs saw him head into this ten furlong contest as a 16-1 chance but he produced a fine turn of foot to come from the rear of the field to win in impressive fashion.

Paul Hanagan's mount was chased home by Unex El Greco who could well have given the winner more to think about but for hanging under pressure once in the clear.

The front two finished a long way in front of Blue Surf and the well-backed favourite Kirthill who, for the second year in succession, found all sorts of trouble in running in this valuable contest.

"Apart from once at Wolverhampton, Paul couldn't win on him and we kept stepping him up in trip until he won at Ascot recently," said Johnston.

"He showed what he could do then, and he has done it again."