Godolphin dominate DDF feature

The Dubai Duty Free International Weekend got under way at Newbury Racecourse on Friday, with Godolphin dominating the featured Dubai Duty Free Cup.

Godolphin’s three runners in the seven furlongs Listed contest filled the first three places with Silent Escape trained by Saeed Bin Surour taking the top slot, ahead the Charlie Appleby-trained stablemates D’bai and Al Suhail in a 15-strong field.

Silent Escape could be heading to Dubai next according to trainer Bin Suroor, who thinks she will be suited by conditions there and said: “Fast ground caused her only defeat in five races.”

Champion jockey Oisin Murphy extended his lead in the 2021 table with this victory over regular Godolphin riders James Doyle on the second home D’bai and William Buick on Al Suhail in third. The victory also strengthened Godolphin’s position as leading owner at Newbury this season.

Richard Hannon, leading trainer at the track, landed the Dubai Duty Free Full of Surprises Fillies’ Stakes for two-year-olds over seven furlongs with Heredia.

Hannon was mildly surprised that Heredia touched off the strong favourite in a thrilling three-way photo.