Jwala causes Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes upset

Jwala with her delighted trainer, Robert Cowell, in the winner’s enclosure after their Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes triumph. Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

Robert Cowell has already worked his magic with sprinters in the QIPCO British Champions Series, winning the 2011 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot with Prohibit and this year’s Betfred Temple Stakes with Kingsgate Native and he went close in last year’s Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes when Spirit Quartz finished second.

The sprint king made up for that defeat this afternoon when saddling Jwala to win the race at odds of 40-1, beating the two market leaders, Shea Shea and Sole Power, who were separated by a nose, by half a length.

The heavy localised thunderstorm which poured 20 millimetres of rain on the track overnight undoubtedly had a profound effect.

Both Shea Shea and Sole Power like fast ground and they would almost certainly have dominated but for that.

Jwala was always prominent just behind the early leader, Hamish McGonagall, and when the filly struck for home just inside the final furlong, she was never going to be caught under a fine ride from Steve Drowne.

Shea Shea and Sole Power were much further back and though both made powerful runs to nearly get on terms, it always looked like a bridge too far.

Hamish McGonagall kept on for fourth with Jwala’s stable companion, Kingsgage Native, in fifth.

Drowne has endured so much hardship over the last 18 months. 

He missed a year’s riding from March 2012 to March 2013 due initially to a heart virus which caused two blackouts, but then he could not get his driving licence or riding licence back.

This was his first big win in two years and it meant a lot to him.

"My problems have been well-documented but it’s great to have a winner like this to remind everyone that you’re back.

"I’ve won a couple of Listed races and a Group 2 since I’ve been back but it just goes to show you that you need to land on one like this in order to be in demand again.

"She’s a fabulous filly though. She travels well and sometimes almost too well as she’s got so much speed.

"I didn’t think she would last out today as I thought I’d slipped them maybe 100 yards too soon but she’s kept going all the way to the line."

Robert Cowell said: "It’s really exciting – I’m thrilled.

"I’d like to thank the owner who is at home watching this on TV.

"She’s a grand filly and I’m glad she’s been able to show what she can do as she had a torrid time at Goodwood last time out.

"She fractured her eye socket when she banged her head against the stalls and it was only diagnosed later on so it’s testament to her character that she bounced back so quickly.

"It’s a great result – I’m speechless to be honest but I knew she was good."