Mission complete for Balding and Buick in the Yorkshire Cup

Spanish Mission outstayed a small but competitive field in the Matchbook Yorkshire Cup for trainer Andrew Balding.

In a race led by long-time absentee Wells Farhh Go, favourite Sir Ron Priestley was made to bide his time. Franny Norton was unable to deploy the usual front-running tactics that had served them so well at Newmarket last time out.

As they headed down the straight, Sir Ron Priestley made his move. However, it was well covered by William Buick on eventual winner Spanish Mission.

Entering the final two furlongs Spanish Mission asserted and engaged his stamina. Santiago and Ryan Moore did their best to go with him, but in truth had no answer.

Spanish Mission saw the trip out all the way to the line to add the Group 2 Matchbook Yorkshire Cup to his list of honours.

Immediately after the race Anna Lisa Balding commented, “He’s stunning and a real yard favourite. He’s got great character. The traveling head lad Simon Humphries rode him out on the track this morning, and he said, ‘If I could ride him every day I’d ride until I’m 100!’

“Team Valor are such huge supporters of racing around the world so it’s lovely having them in the yard. And his groom Andy Whitehall couldn’t take him to Saudi so it was wonderful he could lead him up today.”

“Two international trips do take it out of them a bit, but he’s been showing everything at home so we were hopeful. William (Buick) was very complimentary about him, and the Ascot Gold Cup is obviously the plan.”