 |
|
| Staff Writer |
The July Cup is a Group One contest run over 6f at Newmarket Racecourse and stands as one of the highlights for the best sprinters from around the world each year. Held on the final day of the three-day Newmarket July Meeting, the race is worth around £356,000 to the winner.
 |
Mill Stream claimed a tight victory in the 144th edition of the July Cup at Newmarket. The 4YO emerged from a wide position late in the six-furlong race to win by a neck from Swingalong, with Vandeek finishing third. Favourite Inisherin was two and three-quarter lengths back in fifth.
"He's been such a good horse for me this year," said Mill Stream's jockey, William Buick.
"He ran well at Ascot, but we felt he had a bit more to give. That bit of rain we had really suited him. I was always comfortable, and he's so genuine. It's so well deserved. It's my first July Cup, so I'm absolutely thrilled."
Mill Stream finished over a length behind Swingalong when third in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot on his last outing on June 22.
William Buick reached a landmark 100th win at the highest level by partnering Mill Stream to glory in the July Cup. The two-time champion jockey reached the milestone 15 years after his first win at the top table on Lahaleeb in the E.P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine in 2009.
The race itself was expected to be dominated by Commonwealth Cup winner Inisherin, who was close to a fierce early pace set by eventual second Swingalong and Art Power.
However, the well-backed favourite, watched by his owner Sheikh Obaid Al Maktoum, couldn't pick up and finished fifth. Buick swooped late to land his first July Cup on Mill Stream, completing his fourth win on the card.
Mill Stream, who scored by a neck from Swingalong, had finished just behind when third in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
A delighted Jane Chapple-Hyam, recording a third Group One win with this success, said: "Mill Stream came up here for a gallop the other day, when those present would have noted that he is not a sparkling worker and saves it all for his races.
“He just gets there and that's him, and we know that and William knows that. He's now got his Group One in the bag, which is well deserved."
On future plans, Chapple-Hyam added: "Mill Stream is very good in having three weeks in between races, which takes us up to the Gr.1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, where the 6 1/2 furlongs on a flat track should suit him."
The win completed a tremendous day for Buick, who has been the leading rider at the summer track for at least the past five years.
He said: "I think this was my 100th Group or Gr.1 win, so to do it at home in the July Cup is extra special. It's great to win here—I hadn't realised until someone flagged it up this morning—and you want it to mean something special, and a first July Cup close to home is just that."
Karl Burke, trainer of runner-up Swingalong, said: "I'm gutted that we got beat, but she is such a game filly and wears her heart on her sleeve, and everyone knows how she is going to run."
A further length and three-quarters back in third were the first 3YO home, Vandeek. Joint-trainer Simon Crisford succinctly said, "It hasn’t been a bed of roses, or no pleasure cruise" for Vandeek this season, but renditions of that famous lyric from Queen's hit single
"We Are The Champions" are likely to be bellowed out before the year is out.”
Though Vandeek couldn't secure a win in the July Cup, his performance was commendable given his lack of match practice.
Trainer Crisford expressed relief, saying: "He has been lacking match practice, and in effect, that was like his first run of the season, and that has just caught him out really.
“Missing Ascot was a huge problem for us. He has come here in a championship race without any of the warm-up events, so he has acquitted himself with great credit, and he will get busy now for the remainder of the season."
Crisford hinted at a promising future for Vandeek, suggesting the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville as the next target, with further plans including the Sky Bet City Of York Stakes, the Sprint Cup at Haydock Park, and the Champions Sprint back at Ascot.
Exemplified by Mill Stream's stunning victory and the continued promise of contenders like Vandeek. The July Cup remains a testament to speed, class, and the enduring allure of the sport.
1st - Mill Stream (IRE) / Trainer- Jane Chapple-Hyam / Owner- Mr P. W. Harris
2nd - Swingalong (IRE) / Trainer - K R Burke / Owner - Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum
3rd - Vandeek / Trainer - S & E Crisford / owner- KHK Racing