Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes |
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| Group 1, Goodwood £200,000 added, Fillies & Mares, 3yo plus, 1m 1f 192y, Class 1 |
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| Saturday 2nd August 2014 | |
The winning rider William Buick commented: "I am absolutely delighted. I am over the moon for everybody - for the owner/breeder, John and the whole team back home at Clarehaven. It's fantastic. We have had a good week and this filly has really stepped up to the plate.
"That was only the fourth run of her life, so it was a good training performance. She did it very well out there. We have always held her in high regard - no one as high as Mrs Cooper the owner, who said after she won her maiden that she could be one of the best fillies that she had ever had. She's clearly right. It was a nice race to go for and we are all absolutely delighted.
"We looked at the race beforehand and it was only really Venus De Milo who could have gone to the lead. Mrs Cooper felt that it wouldn't be right to take her on for the lead too early. She suggested that we creep into and that's what we did. It was very straightforward.
"To come to these big meetings and ride winners is fantastic but I ride for a great stable. I am very privileged and we have some great horses and great owners, so thank you to them."
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The four-year-old looked set to give France a first triumph in the near 10-furlong contest, having squeezed up the rail to lead with two furlongs to run. However, she wandered under pressure inside the final furlong and was caught by the strong finishing Sultanina. The winning margin was a length and a half with three lengths back to the front-running Venus De Milo.
Alain de Royer-Dupre said: "I think the track is too firm for Narniyn. She changed her legs many times and didn't really handle the downhill. She did well to finish second but her balance was not correct.
"Her next start will be in the Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville in three weeks' time."
Narniyn was ridden by Christophe Soumillon, who added: "I wanted a run on the outside but the pace was not very strong. I was in a hole and I just let her go there.
"She changed legs and was very unbalanced, which I think has cost us the race. I think the winner won easily but Narniyn ran well."
Of Venus De Milo, her trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "Venus De Milo ran well and would prefer going further.
"She was a little bit all at sea on the track - you could see she was stumbling a bit.
"She needs to be racing and I would say she will go for the Yorkshire Oaks next. The track there will suit her better."
Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes (British Champions Series)
£200,000 added, 3yo plus, 1m 1f 192y, Class 1
6 ran
Going: Good to Firm
