Saddler’s Rock claims Goodwood glory

Saddler’s leads the way home in this afternoon’s Artemis Goodwood Cup. Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

Saddler’s Rock followed up his victory in last year’s Stobart Doncaster Cup and his third place in this year’s Gold Cup at Royal Ascot with a game length triumph in this afternoon’s Artemis Goodwood Cup.

Johnny Murtagh settled the John Oxx-trained colt in third place behind the front-running pair of Electrolyser and Chiberta King.

He started to close on the leaders with over half a mile to run and when he struck for home over two furlongs out, he never looked like being overhauled despite the late progress made by Askar Tau and Colour Vision, who finished close behind in second and third.

The two pacesetters finished fourth and fifth, with nothing else ever getting into the race, the third in the QIPCO British Champions Series Long Distance category.

Murtagh said: "We thought it was going to be a big year for this horse and it didn’t start great in Ascot, but thankfully he redeemed himself today.

"He’s a lovely little stayer and he’s got that turn of foot, especially on this ground.

"He’s not very big but he’s all heart and very straightforward and he’s improving all the time.

"When you’re riding nice horses like this, it makes it easy."