William Haggas’ evergreen nine-year-old Hamish recorded the fifteenth success of his career when coming home strongly to land the BetVictor St Simon Stakes at Newbury.

With his beloved soft ground to suit at Newbury, Hamish was a 7/2 chance in the hands of Tom Marquand, who produced his mount with a well-timed challenge in the straight to pick up the Charlie Appleby-trained favourite Ancient Wisdom before powering clear to score by two and a half lengths.

Sea Scout finished six- and three-quarter lengths away in third.

Maureen Haggas, wife of trainer William Haggas, has struck up a loving relationship with the nine-year-old having ridden him at home for plenty of years.

She said on Sky Sports Racing: "It was a lovely ride, and Tom knows him really well now. The horse has got a bit lazier as he's gotten a bit older, so you have to just encourage him a bit. I suppose when you are as old as him you are entitled to be a bit laid back,"

"I don't think he's had his ground all year. Today he had it and he's felt great at home all year so there was no reason not to run him.

"He's an absolute legend and I love him to bits."