Coroebus leads Godolphin 1-2 to Classic success

30th April 2022 will be a day to remember for jockey James Doyle, who landed his first Classic success in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, leading a 1-2 for Godolphin trainer, Charlie Appleby. The trainer has hit the ground running so far this season, including a double on Day one of the QIPCO Guineas Festival, and red-hot favourite Native Trail looked likely to continue that form.

The race had evaded the Champion Trainer before today, but Coroebus delivered late to secure victory ahead of stablemate, Native Trail. The Craven winner, Native Trail, looked poised to head the field on the stands side rail, James Doyle had other ideas. Doyle delivered Coroebus, who’s eye-catching turn of foot propelled him to the front of the field, to prevail by three-quarter-lengths, with Luxembourg back in third.

After the race, Doyle paid tribute to the colt: “He warmed into the race so easily. My god he’s got potential. The turn of foot he showed there was incredible”. Asked about a potential step up in trip, Doyle said: “He’s got an incredible turn of foot, whether he wants to go further is completely up to the team”.

Corobeus skipped a prep race, and the son of Galileo looks set for further Group 1 sucess later in the year. His trainer, Charlie Appleby, said: “we’ll take him to the St James’s Palace next, then maybe to Ireland”. The victory gave Godolphin a fourth win in the race and gave Doyle a double on the day.

The QIPCO 2000 Guineas marked the start of the QIPCO British Champions Series, and is the first of 35 races to take place across the year, culminating at the QIPCO British Champions Day.