City of Troy shows heart to win the Coral Eclipse

The brilliant Derby winner City of Troy notched up his second Group 1 win of the season in the Coral Eclipse at Sandown.

The son of Justify started at odds of 1/4, but had to show a great attitude to hold off the challenge of the fast-finishing Al Riffa.

It wasn’t the dazzling performance many had anticipated from the hot favourite, but in winning the race he became only the third horse this century to complete the Derby and Eclipse double.

Speaking to ITV Racing post-race, Ryan Moore commented: “I thought he’d win today but the ground is slower than what he wants. I got it wrong, I took him up the middle and then he wanted to go back to the fence. I never really got it out of him until I really had to.

“There’s a lot more in there. Coming back in now he doesn’t feel like he’s had a race. He still got the job done. The second horse is the only other Group 1 winner in that field and handled the ground. I’m delighted he got it done.

“I’d say he wants nicer ground but in terms of the trip I wouldn’t be too worried.”