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15 May 2021

Palace Pier dominates rivals to win the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes

Palace Pier wins the Lockinge Stakes

Palace Pier confirmed himself as the dominant horse in the mile division with an authoritative display in Newbury’s flagship race, the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes.

Backers of the 1/2 favourite barely had a moment’s worry. Palace Pier travelled supremely well throughout the contest; eventually beating the game Lady Bowthorpe by a length and a half.

Rider Frankie Dettori was full of confidence in the son of Kingman. The 50-year-old even allowing himself a leisurely look at his rivals at the two furlong pole. Seeing no obvious threat he set Palace Pier alight on the rail, the colt immediately bursting clear of his rivals.

A thrilled Dettori commented afterwards “I was looking for Ryan (Moore), but he was in trouble three out. I knew he (Palace Pier) stays the mile really well, so I kicked on.”



Trainer John Gosden confirmed that The Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot will be the colt’s next target, for which he is already odds-on with bookmakers.

Looking further ahead the trainer suggested that a step up in distance could be an option for Britain’s highest rated Flat horse.

BIG TARGETS LIE AHEAD

“I could see it (Juddmonte International) as a very possible target. As you know Royal Ascot to the Eclipse is about 16 days, so that’s quite tough if they’ve had a hard race at Ascot to come back in 16 days

“I think the Juddmonte would be a strong possibility. But there is a little race in France called the Prix Jacques le Marois at the same time. Although getting to France is quite difficult now.

Clear cut runner-up Lady Bowthorpe also emerges from the contest with huge credit. Trainer William Jarvis suggested she’ll head for the Duke of Cambridge Stakes, before being aimed at the Falmouth Stakes.