Oxted ready to “dance the dance” on QIPCO British Champions Day

Oxted, who is trained at Windsor House Stables in Lambourn, provided handler Rofer Teal with a maiden Group 1 win when storming to victory in the Darley July Cup Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse back in July.

Oxted beat the likes of Commonwealth Cup winner Golden Horde and 2019 Unibet Stewards’ Cup winner Khaadem in that race and he looks set to go up against those rivals once again next Saturday.

Teal said: “He looks amazing and is still keeping his coat, which is great. He’s training really well and seems to have that mojo back and we’re really happy with him at the moment.

“He’s had a massive impact on the yard, putting us right in the shop window. Winning a Group 1 was amazing and hopefully we’ve got a few more to come.

“We’ve always been happy to compete with the best, that’s what we’re here for. We’ve always danced the dance with the big boys, and we’ve come out on top a few times and that’s where we want to be.”

The Darley July Cup was also a first Group 1 success for reigning Champion Apprentice Cieren Fallon Jr. Looking ahead to riding Oxted on QIPCO British Champions Day, Fallon Jr. said: “It’s a great opportunity for me, riding a horse with a very live chance on QIPCO British Champions Day.

“I’m very lucky to be in this position with a wonderful horse. Mr Teal and the team have done a brilliant job to get him where he is today and I’m looking forward to it.

“He’s got to go in as one of the favourites after what he’s done this year, he’s beaten most of his rivals in the Sprint category already. He’s only had two runs this year so will be going into the race fresh. It’s not really ground dependant but if we get quick ground his chances will be better.”

Teal continued: “Winning the July Cup was an amazing day. Everything just went to plan. We had the race in mind for a long time. Cieren positioned him beautifully, attacked up the hill, and it was an absolute amazing feeling for everyone involved. The buzz around the place was fantastic.

“Cieren has really gelled with Oxted and has been a massive part of Oxted’s career and Cieren’s career. Both have helped each other amazingly and they just seem to gel. They get on with each other and keep things simple.”

Victory in the Darley July Cup made it two wins out of two this season for Oxted after previously claiming the Group 3 Betway Abernant Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse back in June.

Oxted is well-fancied for the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes next Saturday and will go up against the impressive winner of the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock in September in Dream of Dreams.

Teal said: “At the moment, we are coping with the pressure really well. It’s probably in the last 48 hours when the pressure gets to you a bit, and you start looking at the rest of the field, but to be fair I suppose they will be doing the same looking at our horse and worrying about him this time.”