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Moore Decisive on Gleneagles

3 minute read

Ryan Moore recorded a decisive victory aboard dual Guineas winner Gleneagles in the St James's Palace Stakes.

Presentation after Gleneagles wins the St James Palace Stakes
Presentation after Gleneagles wins the St James Palace Stakes Picture: Racing and Sports

Moore stalked the leaders on the son of Galileo before blitzing the opposition with a devastating turn of foot to record a two and a half-length victory.

Moore said; "He went really well, settling nicely and I was able to drop in him. I'm really happy with the performance.

"He was impressive in both the English and Irish Guineas and things didn't work out perfectly for him in those two races but he has won really well here today. I didn't think Frankie Dettori was going to lead on Consort. I know the horse from home and he stays very well so I made sure to track him."

Moore was effusive in his praise of the three-year-old. He remarked: "This horse has got a very good turn of foot. It was a muddling race - it was a bit messy early and Frankie got his own way in front. He has made up three lengths there and he is just a pleasure to ride. I think that he is getting better."

As for the future, Moore suggested the horse could handle a step up in distance if asked to. He said: "He could get a little further but he has plenty of pace so there's no real need. I am sure plans will be made for him later on."

Moore added: "Royal Ascot and riding proper horses - that's why we do it. You want to ride the best horses and he's about the best one of his generation at the minute."

Latharnach, who finished two and a half lengths behind Gleneagles, the winner of the Group One St James's Palace Stakes, was having his second start of the season after finishing runner-up in a Listed race at Newmarket on May 16.

His trainer Charlie Appleby said: "We're delighted. We set our stall out that we'd sit out the back and let the race unfold in front of us. Today was a learning curve about what level we can step up to. He saw out the mile well there and he's obviously shown a good level of ability, so he's got an array of options.

"We'll let the horse come out of the race and see where we are. When you finish second behind a horse who has won two Guineas [Gleneagles], I'll be happy enough to say that we'll be confident in taking our chances in a Group One again, for sure. It would be an easier route if we could avoid Gleneagles, though."

Latharnach's jockey William Buick said: "We always thought a lot of him. He needed his first run at Newmarket and that was a great run coming back there. He battled and he is up against Gleneagles, who is in a different class, but he was a good second."

Harry Herbert, manager of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, who own third-placed Consort, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled. As Frankie [Dettori, who rode Consort] said, it wasn't quite the plan - we thought we'd get a lead from the French horse [Make Believe], but we're over the moon, it's a terrific effort, even if we're a bit frustrated to be run out of it close home for second.

"For an inexperienced horse it was a terrific run, and Frankie said he's a really lovely horse and there's so much more improvement to come. He's not there physically yet and it was a tough ask for a horse who has only had two runs previously to have to be in front with that sort of opposition. We know we've got one to go to war with.

"Sir Michael says his instinct tells him to just back off the horse, so we may give him a bit of time off. His future is all ahead of him. It's such a thrill to come here with a syndicate-owned horse and run so well in a Group One."

Dettori said: "He has done really well. He took the step up in class well and he just lacked the mileage on his clock. He needs a bit more experience, but he is a super horse."


Racing and Sports

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