Qipco Guineas Festival, Newmarket Racecourse, Suffolk
THE Classic generation was unwrapped in full force with Notable Speech boasting the wow factor when striking in the 2000 Guineas, before Elmalka followed up in the fillies' equivalent during a blockbuster weekend at racing's headquarters.
Jockey William Buick expressed his delight at finally landing Saturday's colts' Classic at the 14th time of asking, as he was cheered back to the winner's enclosure in the blue silks of Godolphin for trainer Charlie Appleby.
"These races are incredibly hard to win, so I'm overjoyed," said two-time champion jockey Buick, who had been placed six times in the historic race. "Notable Speech really was impressive. I've not very often believed in a horse as much as I have this guy. He just finds it so easy and his change of gear is incredible. He's an out-and-out miler, he's all about speed, he has a great mindset – I think he’ll keep improving as well.”
The big story of the race was Aidan O’Brien’s unbeaten champion juvenile City Of Troy’s failure to spark. Last season’s superstar two-year-old – who ended 2023 officially rated 6lb and upwards clear of his contemporaries and almost on a par with Frankel – faded tamely to finish ninth of the 11 runners, in scenes reminiscent of the stable’s hot favourite Auguste Rodin’s defeat in last year’s contest. O’Brien, a record 10-time winner of the 2000 Guineas, reported that this winter’s bad ground may have hindered City Of Troy’s preparations and he tired in a strongly run race.
But the discussions of possible Triple Crowns have certainly been muted and he’s now drifted to third favourite for next month’s Derby.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 09, 2024-Ausgabe von Horse & Hound.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 09, 2024-Ausgabe von Horse & Hound.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
