Darley Dewhurst Stakes
Group 1, Newmarket 15:00
£500,000 guaranteed,
2yo only,
7f, Class 1   
Saturday 12th October 2024

1 Shadow Of Light EvsF
2 Expanded 12/1
3 Ancient Truth 13/8
5 ran NR: The Lion In Winter Distances: nk, nk, 3½l
Time: 1m 26.70s (slow by 3.50s)

Shadow Of Light proved the confidence of his connections was well-placed when he clinched the victory in determined fashion. Just two weeks ago, he won the Middle Park over six furlongs. Trainer Charlie Appleby had suggested he would be rested for the season and targeted at next year's Commonwealth Cup.

So, it came as a surprise on Monday when Shadow Of Light’s name was added to the Group One event, which often crowns the season’s top juvenile. Winning both the Middle Park and the Dewhurst is rare, but US Navy Flag managed this feat in 2017.

Appleby already had a strong contender in the unbeaten Ancient Truth for the Dewhurst, but William Buick chose to stay loyal to Shadow Of Light, despite the extra furlong. Rain softened the ground, raising doubts about the even-money favourite, especially with The Lion In Winter absent due to a foot issue.

Five runners started, splitting across Newmarket’s expanse. Seagulls Eleven led Shadow Of Light and Rock Of Cashel, while Expanded guided Ancient Truth until two furlongs out. Initially trailing, the smaller group gained an edge heading into the dip. James Doyle pushed Ancient Truth ahead, but he couldn't shake off Aidan O’Brien’s once-raced Expanded.

As the groups converged, Shadow Of Light displayed a smart turn of foot, showcasing stamina for the first time. He surged ahead to win by a neck from Expanded, with Ancient Truth another neck back in third.

Appleby praised, “He’s a remarkable horse to achieve what he has in recent weeks. Full credit to the team. He’s a homebred, a half-brother to Earthlight. Heading into spring, we can look at both divisions. Will was encouraged by how he raced; he just kept finding more when they came close. Will believes we should consider a Guineas in the spring, and if he doesn’t stay the mile, dropping back to the Commonwealth Cup is an option.”

Appleby added, “I was pleased with Ancient Truth’s run. He was a bit fresh after a layoff, and James managed him well for the first two furlongs, getting him into a rhythm. I thought he’d be the one to handle the rising ground best, but Shadow Of Light kept finding more.”

Buick remarked, “He’s now a good Middle Park and Dewhurst winner, an exceptional horse. The race didn’t suit him with a five-runner field. I needed cover since he was stepping up to seven furlongs on soft ground, so I conserved where I could. I knew showing him daylight too early would be risky, so I followed Oisin Murphy on Seagulls Eleven. Approaching three furlongs, I had to make my move and managed to join Ryan Moore and James Doyle. Shadow Of Light got really competitive then. He hit the rising ground and was well on top in the end. He responded to everything I asked and showed impressive stamina for a quick Middle Park winner. I can't recall many two-year-olds achieving that. Credit to Charlie and the team for having a go—winning the Middle Park by four lengths and now taking the Dewhurst is remarkable.”

SureWIn

Dubai Dewhurst Stakes (Group 1)
£500,000 guaranteed, 2yo only, 7f, Class 1
5 ran
Going: Soft

POS. (DRAW) DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (1)    Shadow Of Light 2 9-3 Charlie Appleby William Buick EvsF
2 (4) nk Expanded 2 9-3 A P O'Brien Ryan Moore 12/1
3 (6) nk Ancient Truth 2 9-3 Charlie Appleby James Doyle 13/8
4 (3) 3½ Seagulls Eleven 2 9-3 Hugo Palmer Oisin Murphy 9/1
5 (2) 2¼ Rock Of Cashel 2 9-3 A P O'Brien Wayne Lordan 33/1
NR 6 (5) The Lion In Winter 2 9-3 A P O'Brien NON RUNNER