Tremendous Treble for History Making Troy

Ballydoyle’s star colt City Of Troy claimed an outstanding fourth career Group 1 in a pulsating Juddmonte International on the Knavesmire, smashing the long-standing 1m2f course record in the process.

From the very start of the £1,250,000 QIPCO British Champions Series contest, Ryan Moore was keen to take the lead aboard the market leader, rushing up through traffic towards the inside rail to claim an early advantage.

Having obtained a desirable position, City Of Troy was able to control the tempo of the race under a masterful ride from Moore, allowing the pace to slacken and his rivals to stack up in behind approaching the turn into the famous York home straight.

Approaching three furlongs from the winning post, Moore asked Justify’s winning-most son to quicken and put his rivals to the sword and instantly, it was clear that all but one of his accomplished opposition would be unable to mount a serious challenge.

Having made an ambitious move around the outside of the 13 strong field, Francis-Henri Graffard’s King Edward VII hero, Calandagan, looked to be coming with a powerful run, almost drawing alongside Aidan O’ Brien’s star inside the final few furlongs.

City Of Troy was in no mood to be denied however and responded to Moore’s urgings in willing fashion, pulling clear of his French challenger once more in the shadow of the post to register an historic QIPCO British Champions Series middle distance division treble by a growing length at the line.

In the immediate aftermath, Ryan Moore remained calm in interview with ITV, stating that “there is not much point saying too much as the boss said the last day, we let the horse (City Of Troy) do the talking and he’s gone out and done it again”, adding later that “he’s putting together a very good record”.

In stark contrast however, the master of Ballydoyle Aidan O’ Brien lavished the classy colt with praise, stating that “he’s the best we’ve ever had and we have thought that since his two-year-old days”.

No horse since Sea The Stars has managed to register wins in the Betfred Derby, Coral-Eclipse and Juddmonte International in the same season and the magnitude of this achievement will likely ensure that City Of Troy remains embedded in the fabric of the QIPCO British Champions Series for many years to come.