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| Sumita Pawar |
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On this particular occasion, a clash of racing superpowers or pedigrees of noble descent was not necessary for Group One to deliver an exhilarating race. The Arc Prix Maurice de Gheest certainly lived up to expectations, as a thrilling finish unfolded between the swiftly progressing 6YO, King Gold, and the resurgent Spycatcher.
A Triumph and Tears: Nicolas Caullery's Group 1 Victory
For Nicolas Caullery, the trainer of King Gold, there was a surge of emotion as he joined the esteemed club of Group 1 winners. On the other hand, Karl Burke and the members of Highclere Racing's Adriana Zaefferer syndicate experienced a mix of pride and heartache. The defeat for Spycatcher was agonizingly close, with the margin being a mere short head, and he had led for a significant portion of the race.
Saint Lawrence, the victor of the Wokingham, was just a neck away in third place, showcasing his incredible determination. Meanwhile, Art Power took the lead halfway through the race but ultimately settled for fifth place after initially appearing to be left behind.
King Gold returned from his time in Dubai during the winter as a vastly improved horse. His triumphant return included a victory in a Quinte handicap, propelling him swiftly up the ranks and solidifying his status as a rising star in the racing world.
"Of course this is a huge moment," said Caullery, who trains in the Chantilly satellite of Lamorlaye. "You have to run to have a chance of winning and there were plenty of English horses lining up to take us on, some very good horses.
"Winning any race is great but obviously a Group One really gives you the desire to keep going."
Caullery, a tremendously popular individual, earns his livelihood by participating in races that are much less prestigious than the highly competitive Group One events. During a mid-interview, he abruptly paused, feeling the gravity of the recent occurrence, taking a moment to regain his composure.
"It’s been a long road and now the pressure has come off," said Caullery. "I’m thinking of my friends and family, and of my late mother, who is undoubtedly watching over me from above. It’s a lot of work, the work of the whole team."
Caullery had not hidden his enthusiasm for King Gold's prospects beforehand. He believes there is more to come from the entire son of Anodin, who was given a fine ride by Stephane Pasquier.
"His last piece of work was very good and he really gave me chills," said Caullery. "I called his owner-breeder and told him I’d never seen him so good.
"He’s just getting better and better and we’ve got lots of options with him. The main target is the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp on his favourite track."
While King Gold's story may be atypical of a Group 1 winner, Spycatcher would have been every bit as much of a Hollywood tale had he got the verdict.
"This horse was on the box, heading for retirement last year," said Highclere principal Harry Herbert. "He had an issue but Duncan Moir, the vet, said he’d seen the x-ray and he thought we could put this horse back together again if we did everything right.
"Karl [Burke] and Duncan and everyone have got him to win a Group 3 and come within a whisker of winning a Group 1. It's a remarkable training performance and all credit to everyone involved with him."
Herbert added, "It was a terrific run. He was travelling so well and Maxime Guyon had to go, there was no choice. The agony is that the other horse has come to him, passed him and then he’s come back and got him just past the post.
"He's a fabulous horse and, ground allowing, we’ll hopefully look at the Haydock Sprint Cup. He must have this easy ground."