3 minute read
Stamina came to the fore when Aidan O’Brien’s Delacroix got the better of Stanhope Gardens to win the Emirates Autumn Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.
Delacroix announced himself as a promising prospect for middle distances next season when showing a gutsy attitude following a lengthy battle with Stanhope Gardens in the Emirates Autumn Stakes.
Stanhope Gardens looked to have every chance of giving trainer, jockey and owner a group-race double at Newmarket when drawing alongside the longtime leader Delacroix at the two-furlong pole, but once eyeballed, Moore's mount wasn't for passing.
The winning margin was a neck with Sir Michael Stoute's Yarmouth winner Nightwalker four lengths behind in third.
"He's improving and learning, and he got a bump early which just unnerved him a little bit," said Aidan O'Brien, who was winning the Group 3 prize for the first time.
"He's progressive and that's why we are racing him and keeping him busy, and Ryan was much happier with him today. He's a tough, hardy horse who looks like he's going to get a trip, he's going to get middle-distance next year."
The 15/8 winner was cut to 8/1 (from 20s) for the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster on October 26th and O'Brien confirmed a fairly quick turnaround could be on the cards.
"You have to be very happy with him and Ryan said he could be a Futurity Trophy horse if we want, so we will see how he is and how it goes.
"I think next year, a mile upwards will be no problem; he's a big horse, he's learning, and he's obviously got a great pedigree."