Buick steers Creative Force to victory but Murphy is champ
Creative Force completed his progression from handicaps to the top level by taking the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot in the hands of William Buick.
Rated just 89 in April, the Charlie Appleby-trained colt has gone up 25lb in the ratings and picked good prizes such as the Group Three Jersey Strakes at the Royal meeting.
The Dubawi gelding had run with credit in both the July Cup and Haydock Sprint Cup without making the frame, but that experience in Group Ones was a positive – as was the stiff six furlongs on soft ground.
Last year’s winner, Glen Shiel, made the running and proved a tough nut to crack, but Creative Force (11-2) was up to the task.
Hitting the front in the final furlong, the Godolphin runner kept up the gallop to hold off Glen Shiel (22-1) by a length and give Buick his 151st winner of the season.
Meanwhile, Oisin
Murphy admitted relief was his overriding emotion after he was crowed champion jockey for the third successive season.
The Killarney-born rider looked set for a comfortable defence of his title a few weeks ago, but a late charge from Buick set up a thrilling finale.
Buick closed the gap to just one on a couple of occasions earlier in the week, but a double at Haydock on Friday meant Murphy started the final day with a decisive three-winner lead.
Buick’s success with Creative Force gave himself renewed hope – but defeat for Adayar in the Champion Stakes put paid to his gallant season-long pursuit of Murphy.