York thrilled at prospect of City Of Troy clash with Japanese ace

Nick Robson
July 17, 2024 11:38 am

Durezza and Christophe Lemaire set to take on O’Brien superstar in Juddmonte International.

York’s chief executive William Derby is fascinated to see how last year’s Japanese St Leger winner Durezza fares against City Of Troy in what promises to be a mouthwatering renewal of the Juddmonte International.

With Aidan O’Brien leaning towards keeping the Derby and Eclipse winner at 10 furlongs, the richest race on the Knavesmire is City Of Troy’s likely port of call on August 21.

But a fascinating new opponent has emerged in the shape of Durezza, who will be ridden by Christophe Lemaire.

“We’re obviously delighted to hear the news from Ballydoyle that City Of Troy is likely to run in the Juddmonte International – obviously there’s a long way to go with horses, but to have Europe’s highest-rated three-year-old being aimed at our flagship race is great,” said Derby.

Who’s excited to see Durezza at the @yorkracecourse Ebor Festival?! 👀
The Japanese St. Leger winner is headed for the Juddmonte International, with Christophe Lemaire set to take the ride 🇯🇵🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/JAqeTPEqmV

— Champions Series (@ChampionsSeries) July 17, 2024

“We have a record prize fund this year of GBP 1.2million and it’s hugely exciting, it’s looking like an absolute cracker.

“City Of Troy has that mercurial potential to join the likes of Sea The Stars and Frankel, two of the great winners of the race. We all saw what he did in the Betfred Derby, he obviously wasn’t on a going day in the Guineas, but he won the Eclipse like Sea The Stars did ahead of coming to the Knavesmire and it will be fascinating to see how he performs if he comes.

“It has also been confirmed this morning that Durezza, who won the Japanese St Leger last year, is heading our way with Christophe Lemaire due to ride him, so to have the best two jockeys in the world in Christophe and Ryan Moore taking each other on is something very exciting for us and all race fans.”

Derby has been at the helm at York for over 20 years now, and has seen some great renewals of the race.

“My first Juddmonte was 2003, Falbrav won it and then in 2005 Electrocutionist just touched of Zenno Rob Roy, he was the last Grade One winner from Japan we had and Electrocutionist went on to win the Dubai World Cup the following March,” he said.

Electrocutionist (left) just been Japan's Zenno Rob Roy (green hat) in 2005 — Electrocutionist (left) just been Japan’s Zenno Rob Roy (green hat) in 2005 (John Giles/PA)

“It was the world’s highest-rated race with Frankel in 2012 and again with Ghaiyyath in 2020 and a top 10 race last year. It’s our flagship race, the best we stage and the richest so we’re delighted City Of Troy and Durezza have it on their radar.

He added: “Ticket sales are good for the Sky Bet Ebor Festival, we’re really looking forward to it. We’re putting finishing touches to our southern end development which was soft launched at the John Smith’s Cup meeting and the feedback was positive.”