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| Staff Writer |
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Lead Artist, the John and Thady Gosden-trained colt, is taking centre stage at Goodwood, delivering a commanding performance to win the Group 3 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes over a mile. The Juddmonte homebred son of Dubawi is showcasing his talent, leading from pillar to post in a field of nine runners.
Kieran Shoemark, adopting a positive riding style, is dictating matters from the front. The colt is repelling the Ralph Beckett-trained duo of King's Gamble and Task Force in the closing stages, securing victory by three-quarters of a length and half a length respectively.
John Gosden, reflecting on the performance, is saying: "I think the key thing was that Tom [Marquand], drawn right beside us, who's horse went very strongly last time – he said to Kieran in the stalls that he was taking his horse back. When you are drawn one here and the cutaway is gone, you have to get out and get a position because it's the easiest place to get boxed in."
The trainer is praising Shoemark's ride: "Kieran controlled the race and dominated it very well. The horse has improved greatly – he didn't like that ground at Newmarket, it was too soft – and hopefully he's good enough to come back here for the Celebration Mile."
Gosden is also highlighting Lead Artist's potential: "He missed all of last year, so he started out in the Wood Ditton. He's very much a horse on an upward curve but the good thing is that we have August, September, October, so plenty of racing to come. If he gets better and better, he could be a lovely four-year-old too."
Kieran Shoemark, celebrating his 500th career win with this victory, is expressing his satisfaction: "The plan was to get a little bit of cover but Tom Marquand said to me entering the gates that he was going to give Socialite a bit of a chance. I didn't want to get caught down on that rail with no cutaway today – Lead Artist made his own running and was very straight today."
He's adding: "When he won the conditions race at York, I thought that he was quite special, so it's nice to see him get his Group success today. He's still very unexposed – he's a lightly raced three-year-old – so the future is bright."
Ralph Beckett, trainer of the placed horses, is expressing delight with both runners: "I am delighted with both of them. I think King's Gamble is still learning on the job, it's only his fifth start. He has run on conventional tracks so far, and to come here – it is a test. Task Force looks like he is back on track. I think the tongue strap encourages him to breathe properly, and he enjoyed being ridden like that."
Beckett is suggesting that either King's Gamble or Task Force, or possibly both, could return for the Celebration Mile.
In a heartwarming conclusion to the day's racing, eight-year-old Master Milliner is scripting a remarkable comeback story in the Coral Goodwood Handicap. The Emma Lavelle-trained gelding, returning after a 640-day absence, is reclaiming the crown he first won two years ago in this two-and-a-half-mile contest. Under the guidance of jockey Charlie Bishop, Master Milliner is defying his 25/1 odds, storming to a comfortable victory by almost two lengths from Premiere Ligne. Owner Bill Simpson is sharing the horse's inspiring journey, including a battle with meningitis at age three, emphasising the patience and care that has gone into bringing Master Milliner back to his best. This victory is not only a testament to the horse's resilience but also to Lavelle's skilled training, providing a fitting bookend to a day of thrilling performances at Goodwood.
With this impressive victory, Lead Artist’s connections are now eyeing future targets, with the Celebration Mile at Goodwood potentially next on the agenda.
As the Qatar Goodwood Festival continues to unfold, Lead Artist's performance in the Gr.3 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes is standing out as a highlight, promising an exciting future for this talented three-year-old. Meanwhile, Master Milliner's inspiring comeback adds a touch of heartwarming drama to an already memorable day of racing.