Barney Roy bags German Group One honours
Munich prize goes to Charlie Appleby’s charge.
Barney Roy claimed the third Group One of his career in Sunday’s Grosser Dallmayr-Preis – Bayerisches Zuchtrennen at Munich. Now a six-year-old, he won the St James’s Palace Stakes in his younger days for Richard Hannon and went on to be narrowly defeated in the Eclipse. Following a failed spell at stud, he was gelded and sent to Charlie Appleby before adding to his Group One tally at Meydan in March. It looked a good opportunity in Germany to further supplement to his haul, but it was hard work for William Buick. As the field turned into the straight, stablemate Spotify was better positioned in second with Barney Roy last and being ridden vigorously. He began to respond, though, and while Joseph O’Brien’s Patrick Sarsfield briefly looked like hitting the front, Barney Roy hit top gear.Quest The Moon pushed him all the way to the line, but Barney Roy held on by a neck with Patrick Sarsfield’s winning run coming to an end in third. “There was a strong pace from the start and it developed into two races. William would have liked to have sat fourth, so we were a bit further back than we wanted to be on this ground,” Appleby told www.godolphin.com. “I thought the local horses ran very well because stamina came into play. We were coming here hoping for good to firm ground, but the rain this morning was a bit of a negative for both Barney Roy and Spotify. “The testing ground wouldn’t have suited Barney Roy at all, but he has got the job done and all credit to everyone involved. Going forward, we are probably going to have a look at campaigning him in Australia now. “We are thankful to Munich for putting the race on and allowing us to come, and the sponsor as well. These are very challenging times for everyone, but we are delighted to be able to come here and win a Group One race for Godolphin. We very much appreciate everyone’s support.” Buick added: “It was a very tough race. We thought beforehand that the German horses set a good standard and they were at home. When the rain came this morning, we were a little concerned for Barney Roy because all of his best form is on fast ground. “I thought he struggled on the ground from a long way out, but his courage and ability allowed him to win the race. He is a high-class horse.”
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.
-
Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama
Donald McCain happy to wait for other targets with Old Roan winner.
-
Eydon back on familiar ground at Newmarket this weekend
High-class five-year-old was fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago.
-
Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf
Aomori City and Al Qudra chasing Breeders’ Cup gold at Del Mar.
-
Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle
And Mick Appleby hunting race repeat, this time with Big Mojo.
-
‘It will be great if he could win’ – Bin Suroor rooting for City Of Troy
Godolphin trainer knows what it is like to come close to Breeders’ Cup Classic glory.
-
Hobson ‘can’t wait’ to unleash Fugitif at Cheltenham
Paddy Power Gold Cup again the aim for Prestbury Park fan.