Horse Racing

Saddler’s Rock wins Goodwood Cup

Improving stayer Saddler’s Rock has won his second group race defeating Askar Tau and Colour Vision to take out the Group 2 Artemis Goodwood Cup.

The Irish colt was backed solidly in the market, starting the race as a 2/1 favorite over Godolphin horse Colour Vision.

Johnny Murtagh produced a gem of a ride that made sure the bad luck that cost Saddler’s Rock victory in the Group 1 Gold Cup at Ascot did not affect him again.

Murtagh had Saddler’s Rock positioned third early and challenged the leader’s with two furlongs left to run. He hit the front at the 1 furlong mark and kept on gamely under pressure; always doing enough in the final furlong to win.

Murtagh was satisfied with the horses run and believes the horse can go onto bigger things and claim his first Group 1.

“This was going to be a big year for this lad and it didn’t start great at Ascot, but he redeemed himself today. He’s a lovely little stayer with a great turn of foot, especially on this ground,” Murtagh said.

Saeed Bin Surror trained Colour Vision looked like he was closing the gap, in the final furlong, but soon began to tire under the heavy weight he was forced to carry.

25-1 outsider Askar Tau ran on well to finish second.

2011 Melbourne Cup runner Lost in the Moment finished eight; never troubling the leaders.

Saddler’s Rock will continue to race this campaign with connections believing he is an ideal cups horse.

“We’ll go for the Lonsdale Cup at York in three weeks’ time, then the Doncaster Cup and then maybe the Cadran. It’s a nice programme,” trainer John Oxx said.

Saddler’s Rock joins the legendary Yeats and Persian Punch as winners of the Goodwood Cup.

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