Weatherbys Hamilton Insurance Lonsdale Cup |
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| Group 2, York 14:25 £250,000 guaranteed, 3yo plus, 2m 56y, Class 1  |
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1 Vauban 11/2
2 Al Nayir 33/1
3 Gregory 5/2
9 ran Distances: shd, 3l, 1l
Time: 3m 28.54s (fast by 2.86s)
𝐕𝐚𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐧 wins a thrilling edition of the Group 2 @WbysHamilton Lonsdale Cup 🏆@WillieMullinsNH | @WilliamBuickX
— York Racecourse (@yorkracecourse) August 23, 2024
🩷💚 pic.twitter.com/CkwbvO3AAH
Vauban held off a late surge from Al Nayyir to secure his first win of the season at York.
The 2022 Triumph Hurdle winner has transitioned back to Flat racing with notable success, including victories at Royal Ascot and in a Group Three race last summer, though he disappointed as the favourite in the Melbourne Cup last November.
This season, Vauban started with a second-place finish to Giavellotto in the Yorkshire Cup in May and looked like a potential winner in the Gold Cup in June before fading in the final stages. Despite another letdown in last month’s Curragh Cup, he bounced back impressively at York, setting himself up for a possible return to Australia later this year.
During the two-mile race, the Willie Mullins-trained chestnut was settled in midfield before making a decisive move in the final three furlongs under William Buick. As Point Lonsdale and Gregory fell out of contention, 11-2 shot Vauban surged ahead, only to face a strong challenge from Al Nayyir, who finished just a short head behind.
Owner Rich Ricci mentioned that while the ticket to Australia isn’t booked yet, the Melbourne Cup has been the target all season. Vauban also has an entry in the Irish St Leger, but the Melbourne Cup remains the primary goal.
Ricci praised Vauban’s performance, noting that he showed a great turn of foot and looked ready to race. William Buick felt Vauban might have reached the front too soon and was idling a bit, but he managed to hold on. Ricci was pleased to see Vauban finish strongly, addressing concerns about his stamina.
Trainer Willie Mullins had high expectations for the race, and Vauban delivered. Ricci also reflected on lessons learned from last year’s Melbourne Cup, indicating a more strategic approach this time.
Regarding Al Nayyir, trainer Tom Clover was pleased with the horse’s performance, especially given his high rating and good form. Clover is considering future races in France and on Champions Day, with hopes of securing a Group win soon.
John Gosden was satisfied with Gregory’s third-place finish, noting that the horse ran a solid race despite having to set the pace.
“We might put him away for the Cadran, we will see what the ground is, as he does like the ground on top.
“We will see what we get, if it’s bottomless then we might wait for next year.”
Lonsdale Cup
(British Champions Series)
£250,000 guaranteed, 3yo plus, 2m 88y, Class 1
9 ran
Going: Good, Good to Firm in places
POS. (DRAW) FORM HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (4) Vauban 6 9-5 W P Mullins William Buick 11/2
2 (6) shd Al Nayyir 6 9-5 Tom Clover Luke Morris 33/1
3 (1) 3 Gregory 4 9-5 John & Thady Gosden James Doyle 5/2
4 (7) 1 Night Sparkle 5 9-2 Andrew Balding Oisin Murphy 11/1
5 (5) 3½ Point Lonsdale 5 9-5 A P O'Brien Ryan Moore 2/1F
6 (2) nk Quickthorn 7 9-5 Hughie Morrison Tom Marquand 16/1
7 (3) 3¼ Alsakib 4 9-5 Andrew Balding P J McDonald 9/1
8 (9) 28 Align The Stars 3 8-7 Charlie Johnston Joe Fanning 14/1
9 (8) 51 Tashkhan 6 9-5 Brian Ellison Ben Robinson 40/1
