There was another busy weekend of racing over the last two days, below are some of our highlights from a weekend that was packed with talking points.
What We Learned From The Weekend - 24/09/2018
Dead Heat in Ayr Gold Cup
The feature race for many people on Saturday was the Ayr Gold Cup. Favourite Son of Rest was collared by 28/1 son shot Baron Bolt on the line.
It was a great run from the latter who was actually 2lb wrong at the weights following victory at Goodwood. Considering the result it would like have been enough for Paul Cole’s runner who prevented Fozzy Stack from saddling the winner outright.
A dead-heat in such high profile races is something of a rarity, but it certainly made for cracking viewing.
Kessaar Set for Group One’s After Mill Reef Win
John Gosden was waxing lyrical after his mount won the Mill Reef Stakes in what for many was the performance of the weekend.
The horse was running in Group 2 company for the first time but trounced his rivals by 2 and 3/4 lengths to return at 3/1.
Gosden has little doubt the horse will now be tackling Group 1 company over in Paris, almost certainly staying at his preferred 7f trip. Saturday’s jockey Frankie Dettori will no doubt be aboard again and hope to add to his impressive list of black-type victories.
Ghaiyyath Confirms Reputation At Lonchamp
Ghaiyyath is very much the forgotten horse of the season. Antepost favourite for the Derby after impressive runs as a two-year-old meant he was the horse on many people’s lips.
Misfortune struck as injury to the Charlie Appleby trained colt dashed any dreams of a Derby victory.
However, at Longchamp on Saturday, he confirmed his credentials by winning the Prix du Prince d’Orange at Lonchamp in fine style. Connections will now hope they can finish the season in style after a frustrating time for the Dubawi colt.