The Qipco Sussex Stakes lived up to the pre-race hype on Wednesday afternoon at Glorious Goodwood as Toronado (11/4) and Dawn Approach (10/11f) went head to head in the final furlong of the Group 1 contest. On this occasion it was Toronado who prevailed by half a length under jockey Richard Hughes, making it 2-1 in favour of Dawn Approach after his wins in the 2000 Guineas (Newmarket) and St James’ Palace Stakes (Royal Ascot).
Hughes’ greater knowledge of the Goodwood track might have been the difference in this instance. He held Toronado up towards the back of the field, whereas Dawn Approach was always up near the front. Dawn Approach was sent for home by Kevin Manning nearly three furlongs from the finish and Hughes was patient, swooping late aboard Toronado to overtake his rival.
It was a beautifully timed move and after the race he described his horse as “very brave and brilliant” to gain a victory that clearly meant a lot to his trainer Richard Hannon.
The racing analysts on Channel 4 noted that Hughes rarely goes for his whip before the 1f marker at Goodwood. The track flattens out at this point and it was suggested that asking a horse for his final burst too early means that it can be unbalanced by the rising ground. By waiting until the track is flatter it might mean the jockey can get the most from his horse when it is properly balanced.
The Sussex Stakes success was the first part of three-timer for Hannon and Hughes on the afternoon. Hughes immediately followed up with an almost identical ride on Toormore (5/4f) in the Veuve Cliquot Vintage Stakes, denying Outstrip (5/1) by a neck. The hat-trick was completed in the final race on the card with Magic City (5/1f).
Cap O’rushes (9/2) was the first Group race runner for new Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby and the New Approach colt duly gave him his first Group winner under Mickael Barzalona in the Gordon Stakes. The colt is now 10/1 for the St Leger in September with Ladbrokes.
It was a rough race and amazing to see how seven horses can find so much trouble. William Buick encountered several blocked paths aboard favourite Excess Knowledge (7/4f) and failed to get up by just a head after finally getting a clear run to the line all too late.
