Gosden hails Murphy composure

Horse Racing
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John Gosden credited Oisin Murphy’s composure after he guided Roaring Lion to success in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

This year’s winner of the Coral-Eclipse, Juddmonte International and Qipco Irish Champion Stakes avoided a showdown with stablemate Cracksman in the Champion Stakes, but connections were unsure about his hopes due to the softening ground at Ascot.


Murphy walked the course on Saturday morning and assured those around the horse that conditions could suit.


Despite a slow start, he proved his point by guiding the three-year-old to the front in the final furlong before seeing him home.


The outsider I Can Fly took an impressive second for Aidan O’Brien, while William Buick rode home Century Dream for third.


The win, though, belonged to the brilliant colt of Kitten’s Joy and Gosden credited Murphy’s actions both before and during the race as the key to another stunning success.


Gosden said: ‘Oisin said he hated the ground.

That is no-one’s fault, it is very deep.

He won on fast ground at Leopardstown and he is probably a good ground, good to firm ground horse.


‘He showed his class and I thought the jockey showed his class, as he did not panic.

He could have panicked at the two and thrown everything at it, but he nursed him and got him there.


‘Having walked the track I reassured everyone it was fine, but it is real deep, autumn ground.

He was not happy on it, but he had the class to do it.

Full marks to the horse.


‘The horse and he (Murphy) have grown in confidence together, which is an important thing.

It is like a motor-racing driver with their car – when they get in tune with one and other.’

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