Commanche Falls claims historic Stewards’ Cup repeat

Michael Dods’ sprinter clung on from Tabdeed.

Commanche Falls showed plenty of guts to became the first horse since Sky Diver in 1967 and 1968 to win back-to-back renewals of the Coral Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood.

In a typically competitive renewal the action played out on the stands’ side, with those drawn in the high numbers filling the first five places home.

The 150-1 shot, and eventual fourth, Good Eye led the bunch on the near side for a long way, but it was the defending champion who loomed large as the field passed the final furlong marker.

Hollie Doyle soon pulled Tabdeed out to mount a challenge and Archie Watson’s charge gave Commanche Falls plenty to think about in the closing stages as the duo became embroiled in a duel to the line.

But it was Michael Dods’ five-year-old who stuck his head down when it mattered most for Connor Beasley, who also rode him 12 months ago, to become the sixth horse overall to double up in the prestigious six-furlong sprint.

Beasley said: “I wanted to be behind the back of the pace, but when I rousted him along to get there I’ve hit the front way too soon. He just idled in front, but when Hollie came to his quarters he stuck his neck out.

Commanche Falls (centre) became the first horse since 1968 to win back-to-back Stewards' Cups
Commanche Falls (centre) became the first horse since 1968 to win back-to-back Stewards’ Cups (Steven Paston/PA)

“It’s fantastic for all connections and the team back at home. I’m over the moon.

“He’s got a big, long neck on him and a big stride and I just felt that when I asked him again when Hollie came to me I felt he stretched his neck out again. I was quietly confident that we’d won, but you can never be too sure when it’s that close.

“He’s only run a couple of times this season, but when I sat on him on Wednesday I was very happy.

“He seems to roll with the cambers here and springs to life. He did a bit of a fly leap at the start but was soon in a good position.

“I’ve ridden 59 winners since January and this one is very special.

“For the boss and everyone back at Denton Hall it’s great that they got the horse back here and he loves it here. It’s great.”

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