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| Sumita Pawar |
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Shadwell owner Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan Al Maktoum showered Frankie Dettori and Mostahdaf with praise for their impressive performance in the Gr.1 Juddmonte International, the main event on the first day of the Ebor Festival at York. This race serves as a bridge between the younger and older horses, and it showcased the battle between Aidan O'Brien's Paddington, a four-time Group One winner seeking a fifth consecutive victory at this level, and Shadwell's remarkable Mostahdaf, aiming to capitalize on his recent success by securing a second Group One title after triumphing in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Mostahdaf, a 5YO son of Frankel, had displayed great determination at Ascot under the skillful guidance of Jim Crowley, winning by a substantial four-length margin ahead of another strong contender sent out by O'Brien, Luxembourg.
At York, with Crowley suspended, Dettori took over the reins and found himself in second place behind another formidable O'Brien horse, Paddington. Since May, Paddington, a brilliant colt by Siyouni, had claimed victories in the Irish 2000 Guineas, St. James's Palace Stakes, Coral Eclipse, and most recently, the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, establishing himself as the horse to beat.
A Surprising Victory For Mostahdaf
Nevertheless, Dettori, in his final Ebor appearance, and Mostahdaf had different plans. They made a smart start and took the lead, with Paddington trailing closely behind, as Ryan Moore patiently waited for the pace to take its toll on their rivals. However, to everyone's surprise, Mostahdaf managed to find an extra gear when challenged by Paddington. Though he had to remain focused until the very end, Mostahdaf proved up to the task and crossed the finish line a full length ahead of his stablemate Nashwa, ridden by Hollie Doyle, who snatched second place from Paddington in the final moments. Paddington finished a neck behind in third, with The Foxes bringing up the rear, six lengths adrift.
Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan Al Maktoum, the owner of Shadwell, expressed her admiration for Dettori and Mostahdaf's composure and skill in securing a wire-to-wire victory in such a prestigious race. The win further solidified Mostahdaf's reputation as a top-class racehorse and added another remarkable achievement to his already impressive record.
Admitting she did endure a few anxious moments, Sheikha Hissa said, “It was a great ride by Frankie. Very well executed. It was a very good competition and a brave ride. I had a lot of nervous moments from beginning to end and I never thought he would make the running.
“He was acting like himself when I saw him earlier today when he arrived at the track so we were very happy and very confident.”
A sixth Juddmonte International winner saw Dettori leapfrog Lester Piggott as the race’s most successful rider. The Italian said, “It was a team effort, I’m very sorry for Jim that he was suspended. This is your horse, buddy!.
“He helped me out a lot about the characteristics of the horse. I spoke to John at length and I studied all his videos. I thought there was only one way to beat Paddington and that was to make it a proper gallop – so I did.
“Full credit to the horse, he was superb today. When you’re giving a champion 3YO 7lbs, you want to be in front of him and not behind him! They’re going to sprint and carrying 7lbs more it’s more difficult to pass him.
“He jumped great, I was able to go my own fractions. I just waited until the two (furlong pole) and asked him to quicken, Hollie (Doyle, Nashwa) was coming on the inside, he was tremendous. It was a lucky ride as this is Jim’s horse, I know he was in my stable.
“To be the first man to win six Internationals I am very proud, beating the great Lester Piggott. This is my last year and to finish on a high like this is amazing.”
write a creative linkdein introduction for the following todays horse racings headlines in one paragraph: Lessons Learned: O'Brien's Paddington Misjudgment, York's Nunthorpe Stakes: Highfield Princess Confronts Tough Field Of 16 Runners, Equilateral Triumphs in UK Debut, Will Savethelastdance Secure A Fifth Irish Oaks Victory For O’ Brien?, On The Road To Glory: Autum Angel’s Quest For The Gr.1 VRC Oaks, Nominations or Not, Yellow Brick’s Trainer Stays Committed To Sydney Races, Strategic Spring Plans: Weather & Opponent's Location Influence Bella Nipotina's Campaign, and Sheikha Hissa’a Heartfelt Tribute To Dettori & Mostahdaf: A Juddmote Triump