Future Stayers Nursery result: Noble Prince awarded race in the stewards' room at Newmarket

Noble Prince finally got off the mark at the sixth attempt at Newmarket on Wednesday, but he had to wait for the stewards to give him the British Stallion Studs EBF Future Stayers Nursery. Charlie Appleby‘s 5/1 shot was beaten a nose by Lots Road in the 3.35pm, only for the placings to be reversed after an inquiry into interference a furlong out.

The Godolphin two-year-old arrived winless in five starts, having been placed in four of them, but the step up to a mile and a quarter on soft ground brought out the best in him. Under William Buick, he rallied gamely all the way to the line, but he turned his head right at the death, and that allowed Lots Road to dip his head in front.

Stewards reverse the placings

It was the incident a furlong out that proved decisive. Lots Road, the 6/5 favourite for Ralph Beckett and Rhys Clutterbuck, checked Noble Prince at a crucial stage, costing the Appleby runner his momentum. Given the winning margin was a nose, the stewards concluded that the interference had cost Noble Prince the race and awarded it to him.

It is tough on Lots Road, who had made all to win a Goodwood nursery earlier this month and was 7lb higher here. The front two pulled five lengths clear of Michael Bell’s Akaraka, who was third under Ryan Moore, so there is no doubt they were the best two in the race.

Noble Prince one to follow next season

Noble Prince had shown plenty of ability over seven furlongs and a mile, finishing second at Doncaster and Sandown and third at Haydock and Kempton, but he never quite got there at those trips. This extra two furlongs made all the difference.

The son of Frankel, who is out of Soft Whisper, now has a deserved first win on his record off a mark of 82. Judged on the way he kept finding for pressure on testing ground, he looks very much a stayer in the making, and he could be one to follow over middle distances next season.

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