Winter Power scorches her way to Nunthorpe crown

The Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes has belonged, in recent years, to the much-loved Battaash, however this years saw a change of the guard as Winter Power swept the classy opposition aside in a strong renewal.

A lot of the pre-race build up had focused on the international contingent. Wesley Ward’s Golden Pal as tipped to be a speed machine and the French-trainer Suesa had dethroned Battaash in Goodwood’s King George Qatar Stakes. A race result that ultimately led to his retirement.

Winter Power had crept into the race unnoticed. Clearly a fan of the track having won twice at York in 2021 already, the Tim Easterby-trained filly wasnt the obvious market choice.

Speed was what was promised, and speed was delivered. Frankie Dettori and Golden Pal bolted from the gates and were hitting lightning fractions, as Ward runners often do. The speedometer picking them up at nearly 45mph in the early stages and splitting the field up very early on.

However, Golden Pal couldn’t maintain that pace and the pressure began to tell approaching the final furlong.

Silvestre De Sousa had Winter Power up with the early pace without having to carve out the running. That would prove to be a masterstroke in riding as Winter Power forged clear in the final furlong do earn a home win for Yorkshire in the Friday feature.

Suesa was perhaps unlucky, having been outpaced by Golden Pals boggling fractions early doors she finished very strongly and was a never nearer fourth on the line. Dragon Symbol filled his customary place in a Group 1 with third and a big run from Emaaraty Anna in second.