Bow Echo confirmed himself one of the best horses in a generation with victory at Glorious Goodwood. For the third time in a row, he defeated old foe Gstaad, gamely overcoming him to win the Sussex Stakes on Wednesday.
Today’s racing news focuses on a sensational Sussex Stakes on Thursday.
Brilliant Bow Echo still unbeaten after stunning Sussex success
Despite yet again being the subject of team tactics against him, Bow Echo surged to remain unbeaten in the Sussex Stakes. Billy Loughnane kept his cool having been boxed in for the majority of the race. Producing Bow Echo with two furlongs to run, it looked as though he would fail to peg back Gstaad on this occasion. However, an inexorable late surge saw him fly to the front in the closing stages and win his sixth race in as many starts. It was a third straight Group 1 victory for the son of Night Of Thunder, who was hailed as possessing “every attribute” by his regular rider. Trainer George Boughey also suggested he is “still improving.” (Guardian)
It was not to be yet again for Gstaad. Second for the third time this season behind Bow Echo, Ryan Moore guided his mount to the front inside the final furlong, only to be overhauled late on. Gstaad is still yet to finish out of the first two in ten career starts. Six of those have now resulted in runner-up finishes though, with three behind Bow Echo in 2026. Trainer Aidan O’Brien said he was “delighted with the run” and that Gstaad may now go up in distance. (RTE)
Flora Of Bermuda takes step up in trip in her stride
Wathnan Racing mare Flora Of Bermuda stepped up in trip in style to win the Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes. Formerly utilised as a sprinter to good effect, Flora Of Bermuda has found a winning thread this season. The five-year-old has won three of her four starts, including twice at Group level. Previously placed at the highest level, Group 1 prizes may now await over 7f. (Sporting Life)
Pershaada a debut Group winner for Persian Force
Richard Hannon’s Pershaada landed the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes. The 5f prize was the top juvenile trophy on offer on Wednesday at Glorious Goodwood. The Middleham Park filly had been fourth in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot, a race working out extremely well. At the same class, but kinder company, she scorched home under Sean Levey to defeat the previously unbeaten Adonius. (Thoroughbred Daily News)
Willie Mullins the King of Galway Plate
His main rival Gordon Elliott had been the man to follow in the Galway Plate, but it was Willie Mullins’ turn on Wednesday. The feature handicap of the week in Ireland went the way of King Alexander, ridden by Daniel King. Formerly trained by Nicky Henderson, King Alexander was not expected to be Mullins’ best chance in the race. However, favourite Funiculi Funicula disappointed, with the winner, who had been fourth in the novices’ handicap at the Cheltenham Festival in March, overcoming Conyers Hill for victory. (Racing Post)