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3 Aug 2023

Shadwell and Crowley combine to score another Group 1 with Al Husn in Qatar Nassau Stakes

Jim Crowley and Shadwell have secured another Group 1 with Al Husn winning the Qatar Nassau Stakes on Day three of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, upsetting market rivals in the process.

The race preview had mostly been about French-raider, Blue Rose Cen and last year’s Nassau winner, Nashwa. It was the former who went off as odds-on-favourite with Tattersalls Falmouth winner, Nassau second favourite.

Al Husn beat Nashwa on her last appearance in a Group 3 at Newcastle, and the Roger Varian-trained filly produced another gutsy performance to scoop today’s Group 1.

Tenacious Crowley cruises to more Group 1 glory

Above The Curve showed first under Ryan Moore to lead the field and set the pace, closely tracked by Blue Rose Cen and Al Husn. Hollie Doyle held Nashwa up in rear, but as the pace picked up on the straight, Crowley played his cards right and controlled the race to perfection to win his second Group 1 in six days, following Hukum’s success in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes on Saturday.

Blue Rose Cen, ridden by Aureliene Lemaitre targeted the inside rail before Ryan Moore shut the door and left the Frenchman with a tricky task. All this time, Crowley had smuggled Al Husn patiently to the front, and despite what looked to be a strong challenge from Doyle and Nashwa, held on to claim victory. Above The Curve finished second with Nashwa in third.

Al Husn and Jim Crowley after winning The Qatar Nassau Stakes Goodwood 3.8.23 Pic Dan Abraham-focusonracing.com

Another galvanising Crowley ride gives him a fourth Group 1 of the season, and all have been in the Shadwell blue and white.

Crowley told ITV Racing: “It’s been pretty turbulent time, but she’s so tough. She’s not a big filly, but is an absolute little terrier. She’s improved with every run – it’s great to nick a race like that with her. She’s a very good filly. We were just in the right place at the right time.”

The filly has now won seven of her last eight races, and may look north from here with the Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks a potential target later this month.