Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Challenge Stakes |
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| Group 2, Newmarket 15:00 £125,000 guaranteed, 3yo plus, 7f, Class 1  |
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1 Top Gear 3/1F
2 Royal Scotsman 7/2
3 Quinault
7/1
11 ran Distances: 5½l, 1¼l, ½l
Time: 1m 24.50s (slow by 1.30s)
With a name like Topgear are we surprised he accelerated clear like that? 🤣
— Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) October 11, 2024
He wins the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Challenge Stakes 💥@godolphin pic.twitter.com/KSyYaccPgo
Topgear made the trip from France to Newmarket more than worthwhile, cruising to a commanding victory. Now under the care of Christopher Head, after beginning his career with Fabrice Chappet, the talented colt is carving out a niche as a true seven-furlong specialist.
Head was one of the few French trainers to hold his own at ParisLongchamp last weekend. Had he not had the eventual Prix de la Foret winner, the impressive Ramatuelle, Topgear might have contested that race instead.
Backed heavily just before the start, Topgear went off as the 3-1 favorite, and jockey Stephane Pasquier looked confident some way out, clearly traveling best of all. Royal Scotsman, under Jamie Spencer, ran a valiant race, leading the pack on the rail but still finished five and a half lengths behind the dominant winner. Stuart Williams’ consistent performer Quinault put in another strong showing, setting the early pace but had no answer for Topgear, ultimately finishing third.
Challenge Stakes (Group 2)
£125,000 guaranteed, 3yo plus, 7f, Class 1
11 ran
Going: Good to Soft, Good in places
POS. (DRAW) DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (7) Topgear 5 9-5 Christopher Head Stephane Pasquier 3/1F
2 (11) 5½ Royal Scotsman 4 9-5 Paul & Oliver Cole Jamie Spencer 7/2
3 (10) 1¼ Quinault 4 9-5 Stuart Williams Marco Ghiani 7/1
4 (6) ½ Ten Bob Tony 3 9-3 Ed Walker Tom Marquand 17/2
5 (9) 1¼ Noble Dynasty 6 9-5 Charlie Appleby William Buick 13/2
6 (2) 4¾ Witness Stand 3 9-3 Tom Clover Kieran Shoemark 9/1
7 (4) 2½ Great Generation 3 9-0 Marco Botti David Egan 12/1
8 (5) shd Vetiver 4 9-2 Andrew Balding Oisin Murphy 14/1
9 (8) 2 Shouldvebeenaring 4 9-5 Richard Hannon Ryan Moore 16/1
10 (3) 3½ Jumby 6 9-5 Eve Johnson Houghton Harry Davies 50/1
11 (1) 2½ Pogo 8 9-5 Charles Hills Rossa Ryan 28/1
