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Soumillon Booked For Spanish Raider

3 minute read

Christophe Soumillon has been booked to ride Noozhoh Canarias in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 3.

Christophe Soumillon
Christophe Soumillon Picture: Whistlejacket

Enrique Leon's three-year-old will become the first Spanish-trained horse to run in a British Classic when he takes his chance on the Rowley Mile next month, earning his place with an impressive comeback victory in Madrid at the end of March.

Jose Luis Martinez has guided Noozhoh Canarias to each of his four career victories, but Soumillon, who was in the saddle when the colt suffered his only defeat in last October's Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp, will get back on board at HQ.

Leon said: "Everything is going very well and we are more or less where we want to be ahead of the Guineas.

"I am travelling over to Newmarket on Wednesday (for the Craven meeting) and I am looking forward to it.

"The horse came out of his last race very well, he is much fitter and stronger now and we will see where we are next month. Christophe Soumillon will ride him at Newmarket."

Leon, who used to work for Newmarket trainer James Fanshawe and was once the work rider of the five-time Group One winner Soviet Song, is under no illusions about the task facing his stable star.

The trainer admits he was blown away by the brilliant display of John Gosden's new Guineas favourite Kingman in Saturday's Greenham Stakes at Newbury.

"I watched the race and it really was amazing," said Leon.

"It was a beautiful performance and he looks a very good horse. We want to know where we are and we will find out at Newmarket."

Noozhoh Canarias is a general 20-1 chance for the 2000 Guineas.


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