Godolphin’s Ruling Court (pictured, right) became the latest horse to add a European Classic to one in Dubai when winning a pulsating edition of the G1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, UK.
Charlie Appleby’s three-year-old was last seen at Meydan Racecourse in March when the six-length winner of the Listed Jumeirah Guineas. He faced a tougher task at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile Racecourse, where he faced ten rivals, including stablemate Shadow Of Light, last year’s European Champion Juvenile, and impressive G3 Craven Stakes winner Field Of Gold.
Ridden by William Buick, the son of Justify travelled towards the middle of the pack in the early part of the 1600metre contest, being asked for his move with 600metres remaining, at the same time as Shadow Of Light joined him on the lead. He saw off that rival with 100metres remaining and then held off the closing Field Of Gold, who finished second by half a length.
It was a third 2000 Guineas in four years for Appleby, following on from Coroebus in 2022 and Notable Speech a year ago.
“We came into here with a lot of confidence that we had the right horses,” he said. “It was a hard choice for William [to choose between Ruling Court and Shadow Of Light], but he saw it right in respect that he felt Ruling Court would see the mile out. He has outstayed them in the end. Everyone had their chance to have a crack coming out of the dip.
“I thought it might be a good match race between Ruling Court and Shadow Of Light at one point, although Field Of Gold was always going to come to the party late on and put it up to Ruling Court, but it was a great ride from William.”
Buick, winning his second Guineas, added: “I feel amazing. These races are what it is all about and horses like this are a joy to deal with. To have them at my disposal, I am very grateful. I get to work with great people and, when you have results like this, it is very special.
“I love the way Ruling Court did it. He is so uncomplicated and we treated him like that today. We were going to let him do his thing, get comfortable, and then ride him as if a mile is well within his compass.
“He feels like a horse who could get further as well. A huge engine and that was only his fourth run.”
With that extra distance in mind, Appleby indicated that the G1 Derby, over 2400metres at Epsom on 7 June, could be the next race for Ruling Court.
