3 minute read
On day in which you could see the Isle of Wight, the Sussex was a fantastic race.
With seven highly talented horses ridden by seven highly talented jockeys the race did not disappoint. Every inch was keenly contested until in the end it was Mohaather who announced it was his turn and produced the final burst to win from Circus Maximus who had pressed all the way and Siskin although only third was not disgraced. Kameko got blocked on the rails and afterwards jockey Oisin Murphy confessed it was "jockey error" but these things happen in such tight contests. It was good to see Marcus Tregonning with another G1 winner.
Earlier Steel Ball showed steely determination to win the Molecomb for Michael O'Callaghan and Colin Keane who won the 1000m contest from Ben Macdui for the Kevins on 16/1 and Internationaldream on 50/1.
Sad news that the lovely Defoe suffered a fatal accident on the gallops – a popular horse with so many and will be missed.
Thursday sees the running of the Richmond, Gordon and Nassau Stakes. The Richmond is G2 for 2yo c&g over 1200m and will have 7 runners. Yazaman has had a win and 2 seconds in his 3 starts to date and will be ridden by the in-form Tom Marquand. Qadar comes in the all-conquering colours of Sheik Hamdan and out of the Mark Johnston yard, with Jim Crowley on board. Although it is a small field we will put in Admiral Nelson for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore.
The Gordon Stakes is G3 for the 3yos with a field of 6 headed by English King for Ed Walker and Frankie Dettori on English King on 5/4. Al Aasy and Mogul are on 9/2.
And the Nassau is another great race in store. Over 2000m for f&m with 7 to run including our beloved Deidre, who won this last year, and is on 4/1 for Mitsuru Hashida and Oisin Murphy. Favourite is Fancy Blue with Donnacha O'Brien going for his first English G1 and he has snared Ryan Moore for the ride. They are on 9/4 with Nazeef 11/4 Gosden-Crowley and the wonderful Magic Wand on 9/2 for Aidan O'Brien and Frankie Dettori. Insomnia beckons!
