Barney Roy misses out on Coral Eclipse Stakes victory in England

dubai — Godolphin’s Barney Roy agonisingly missed out on victory in the Group 1 Coral Eclipse Stakes (British Champions Series) in Sandown, England, on Saturday.

The three-year-old colt from Excelebration, came close to replicating his exploits at Royal Ascot last month, but lost out by a nose in a thrilling showdown with winner Ulysses.

Breaking from Gate 4 under jockey James Doyle, the Richard Hannon-trained Barney Roy was held up in the midfield among eight other runners before progressing just over two furlongs out. He was driven to challenge in the final furlong and kept the pressure on Ulysses. But Ulysses, trained by Sir Michael Stoute and the ride of Jim Crowley, nudged ahead to take the winning post.

Desert Encounter, trained by David Simcock and ridden by Sean Levey, was third. Epsom Derby runner-up and one of the favourites Cliffs Of Moher, was caught out at the rail after breaking from Gate 1 and couldn’t put up a fight. The Aidan O’Brien-trained three-yearold, the ride of Ryan Moore, eventually finished fourth.

Another favourite Eminent, trained by Martyn Meade and ridden by Silvestre de Sousa, was fifth.

It was a step up in trip for Barney Roy, who was racing over a mile and a quarter for the very first time. His previous run ended in a fine victory in the Group 1 St James Palace Stakes (British Champions Series). Barney Roy has made five starts till date and has had three wins and two second place finishes.

james@khaleejtimes.com