By Tom Frary
Karl Burke is currently unleashing his big Royal Ascot prospects and Wednesday saw another enter the picture in Ruler's Pride (Mehmas) at Ayr.
Making his debut in the five-furlong card opener for Wathnan Racing, the 30-100 favourite who cost £550,000 when the highest-priced colt at last month's Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale was soon in front of his two rivals under Clifford Lee.
Strong to the line, the relative of the high-class Campanelle (Kodiac) had 3 1/4 lengths to spare over the Faheys' fellow newcomer Crystal Queen (Cotai Glory), with the experienced Quiet Soul (Dandy Man) six lengths away in third.
“He was still very green, but he gave me a nice feel and did it well,” Lee said. “I like the way he picked up and he was straightforward. He looks a lovely type and has plenty of speed, but could possibly stay later on. He'll learn a lot from this physically and mentally.”
Successful debut ✅
550,000gns purchase Ruler's Pride (Mehmas) makes a winning start for @karl_burke, Wathnan Racing and @CliffordleexLee @ayrracecourse pic.twitter.com/IovZp2LYVH
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 20, 2026
The dam Superiority (Exceed And Excel), who has a filly foal by Big Evs, is a daughter of the Listed Marygate Stakes winner Janina (Namid) whose aforementioned Campanelle was successful in the Prix Morny and Queen Mary at two and was awarded the Commonwealth Cup by the Royal Ascot stewards the following year. The third dam is the G3 Dubai International Airport World Trophy winner Lady Dominatrix (Danehill Dancer) in a family that is all about speed.
1st-Ayr, £10,000, Mdn, 5-20, 2yo, 5fT, :59.35, g/f.
RULER'S PRIDE (IRE) (c, 2, Mehmas {Ire}–Superiority {Ire}, by Exceed And Excel {Aus}) Sales history: 550,000gns 2yo '26 TATBRE. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $7,233. O-Wathnan Racing; B-Tally Ho Stud; T-Karl Burke.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
