Series stars to stud: Lethal Force

Lethal Force romping his way to a striking victory in the Darley July Cup. Image copyright of Racingfotos.com

An unlikely star of the Series back in May, Lethal Force would go on to prove to be the outstanding sprinter in a competitive division.

Clive Cox’s colt, who won the Hungerford Stakes as a three-year-old, entered the season as a virtual unknown to British Champions Series fans.

But, after stunning performances at Royal Ascot and in the Darley July Cup, Lethal Force soon made a name for himself.

After being beaten narrowly by Society Rock in the Group 2 Duke of York Stakes, the son of Dark Angel would eventually go on to turn the tables – and emphatically as well.

At the Royal meeting in June, at large odds, a superb front-running display from jockey Adam Kirby allowed Lethal Force to really assert himself on the grandest stage of them all – taking the Diamond Jubilee Stakes by two lengths.

As is inevitable with big-priced winners in top-class races, fans doubted whether he could reaffirm his dominance.

Though, it would be the Darley July Cup that really allowed Lethal Force to shine.

With yet another excellent ride, when making all, Kirby steered his mount to another Group 1 victory ensuring that the winner was undisputedly recognised as the British Champions Series’s top sprinter, beating the likes of Society Rock, Sole Power, Shea Shea and Slade Power in the process.

Unfortunately, due to disliking the conditions, Lethal Force was unable to secure a hat-trick of British Group 1 races in the Betfred Haydock Sprint Cup.

As a result of his effort at the Merseyside track, it was decided that the champion would retire to stud.

Cheveley Park Stud, based in Newmarket, bought him for stallion duties, where he will now stand alongside European-leading sires Pivotal, Kyllachy and Dutch Art.