WILD AT HEART
CHARLIE APPLEBY’S stellar season continued when Wild Illusion took the Qatar Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
Appleby, successful in this year’s Derby with Masar, along with five other Group One winners this season, was shell-shocked after Wild Illusion was chinned in the Epsom Oaks but yesterday the filly put a smile back on the Newmarket trainer’s face.
“She’s been rock solid throughout the season,” said Appleby. “She was fourth in the 1,000 Guineas, second in the Oaks and the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot.
“I must admit I was shocked by her defeat in the Oaks. But today was the best we’ve had her all season.
“Full credit to the team. Tactically, it was a tremendous ride from William (Buick).
“We couldn’t see any logical pace so that’s why William went off in front. When William gets those fractions right he’s dangerous.”
Unlike Appleby’s rewarding season, Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle team have been underperforming by his high standards.
O’Brien’s Rhododendron, sent off the 15-8 favourite for the Nassau, finished last of the six runners.
But he celebrated his first winner at Glorious Goodwood after Land Force and Ryan Moore made all the running when taking the Richmond Stakes.
With O’Brien attending Galway, Moore, not known for his post-race interviews, said: “He ran a very good race in the Norfolk. We felt six furlongs would suit him.
“He’s a very fast horse with a marvellous attitude. He does not need to go any further than six.”
Mark Johnston, the 11-times leading trainer at Glorious Goodwood, continued his domination on the Sussex Downs.
Communique set the ball rolling for Johnston when taking the Matchbook Best Value Handicap in the hands of Silvestre De Sousa.
Further success came with Accordance, the mount of Patrick McDonald, in the Telegraph Handicap.
“People talk about me keeping horses busy, but Communique hasn’t had a gallop at home since before the season started,” said Johnston. “So, he’s not been particularly busy and they all thrive on racing.”
Johnston is counting down his winners in his quest to train the record number of winners in Britain.
The now retired Richard Hannon snr currently holds the record with 4,193 winners.
“I believe we are now 16 behind and there are lots of people talking about it, but we will enjoy it when it comes. I’m proud of it – I’ve never disputed that the trainers’ championship should be decided on prize money won, not winners, although if it had been I would have been champion trainer on 12 occasions.
“Winners are important to owners big and small, and every year that we have a good season we know the owners will be back again the following season.”
Frankie Dettori, currently the leading rider at Glorious Goodwood, returned to action after serving a six-day ban for careless riding but could not reward his legion of fans.
Veracious finished best of the Italian’s four rides when third behind Wild Illusion.