Justify -- Purchased as a yearling for $US500,000 he became the 13th horse in history to win the Triple Crown. After not racing as a two-year-old, he remained undefeated from six starts with six wins. Justify’s racing career maybe over but his life on stud duties is set to begin, after a deal for his breeding rights went for a record $US75 million.
Benbatl -- Godolphin’s rising star Benbatl by Dubawi put in a poor performance when 10th in the Royal Ascot’s G1 Queen Anne Stakes but the 4 year old was far too good in the G1 Grosser Dallmayr Preis. He was never under any pressure and raced away from Stormy Antarctic for an easy win. Benbatl is now on his way to Australia for the Cox Plate to take on the queen of the thoroughbreds Winx.
Poets Word -- On the weekend the five year old entire by Poets Voice for Sir Michael Stout put in a brave finish to win the G1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes under hard riding from James Doyle.
What an epic finish! This is why we love racing. 👏👏👏
Poet's Word battles bravely and powerfully to the line to land the King George. Another inspiring ride by the talented James Doyle. Epic stuff! 🏇🏆
Roy Had Enough -- The three year old colt by Pierro x Elusive Quality mare, Queens Plaza won his second stakes race in South Africa on the weekend in the Listed Avontur Darley Arabian at Greyville.
U.S.Navy Flag -- Great to hear the War Front colt, U.S.Navy Flag is heading towards the Everest after his strong win in the July Cup at Newmarket. It was Ryan Moore's first triumph in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket and the fourth win in the big sprint for Aidan O’Brien. The race featured seven Group 1 winners, among them victors of the King's Stand and Commonwealth Cup but was missing the injured Harry Angel . After the inaugural running of the Everestin Australia last year . Aidan O’Brien has his sights set on the richest sprint race in the world so the colt will be rested now ahead of a trip to Australia. I have to give credit to Racing New South Wales for having such foresight with this race and now with this new project in place to bring country racing to the city. Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys is planning to expand Everest day to include the first $1 million feature restricted to country trained horses in NSW. Here comes "The Kosciuszko". Due to the success of the Highway Handicap series which has brought the bush to the big smoke in NSW. They see an opportunity to grow this idea even further .
— Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) July 14, 2018
Alpha Centauri -- Alpha Centauri was pegged as a horse to follow last season and even though her star had dimmed a bit at the end of her two year old year with a couple of lack lustre efforts. It was at the start of her three year old career with a disappointing finish on heavy going at Leopardstown, where it almost went out. The daughter of Mastercraftsman has risen again and is back shining with an impressive hat trick of wins. Starting with the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot where she scorched the Ascot turf breaking the track record for the round mile course. And after her latest romp at Newmarket in the Falmouth, she is looking like the new star. Trainer, Mrs Jessica Harrington has the Prix Jacques le Marois and Breeders Cup Mile on the radar for this exciting filly .
Alpha Centauri winning the Coronation Stakes
🗣 “She came out of Ascot well, thank god, and seems in very good form so I’m very much looking forward to it."
Colm O'Donoghue dreaming of riding Alpha Centauri tomorrow at Newmarket. Watch analysis and read our Falmouth preview 👇 #JulyFestivalhttps://t.co/MPr7j2GZcdpic.twitter.com/QrDiSh4Pnf
Hong Kong Season -- The contest for the Hong Kong jockey title captured the imagination of racing fans worldwide with the Magic Man Moreira who had won the last three titles in a row and Australian jockey Zac Purton as they battled it out over the last few meetings. It came down to the last day and when Zac came out on top in the fourth last race of the season on the Caspar Fownes trained gelding, Rise High who took out the Class One Sha Tin Mile Trophy. The title had Zac's name on it. It was an emotional day at Sha Tin with the Magic Man signing off and heading to Japan after the meeting. Zac Purton said “I’ve enjoyed the battle, I think we’ve both enjoyed it and the racing community have enjoyed it as well, competition is always good.” Sha Tin parade ring showed their appreciation, clapping and cheering as Moreira headed out for the last race. The hysteria after the race would have made Joe feel like Justin Bieber for 30 minutes as screaming women and a swarm of cameras jostled for photos and just to be close to him. Joe said “The relationship I have with the fans here in Hong Kong is something special and I really do love them all,” .
