Mishriff eases to Juddmonte glory

An all-star cast lined up for the 2021 Juddmonte International, but one star was left shining brightest as Mishriff ran out a ready winner of the feature 10 furlong contest at York’s Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

Much was made of the absense of St Mark’s Basilica at the decleration stage for the race, but he could well have met his match regardless as David Egan steered Mishriff to a resounding victory over Alenquer – six lengths the winning margin.

Mac Swiney, winner of the Irish 2000 Guineas earlier in the year took up the running early on. A relatively steady two-by-two formation ensued for the first half of the race. The eventual winner received plenty of cover, dicing between third and fourth.

Turning into the straight the race pace began to increase, with Love and Alcohol Free making their moves on the far side. Meanwhile standside, David Egan was cruising on Mishriff and found himself in the lead two furlongs out. Any worries that the horse had a tendeancy to stop out in front were soon quashed as Mishriff continued to pull clear for a resounding victory.

Alenquer ran a very strong race to finish best of the rest, while Love and Alcohol Free weren’t seen at their best. Although, their best still may not have been enought to topple the eventual winner.

After the ride, David Egan said “Mishriff has proved he can do it overseas and he can do it back home.”

“I had in my mind I wanted to sit in the second row, one of the fence…he stays this flat mile and a quarter so well and I was going so easy three out I just let him slide and he took me there all the way.”

John Gosden, the winning trainer implied that the next stop for this remarkable horse will be the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe or QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday 16th October.