Field Of Gold Claims Stunning Palace Victory

Commanding Performance Silences Doubters

The victory was particularly satisfying for connections after Field Of Gold had suffered defeat at Newmarket, with trainer John Gosden reflecting on his charge's development from juvenile to champion. "That was a great performance," said Gosden. "Field Of Gold had always impressed as a 2YO, but he was a big boy and slightly outgrew himself. We ran him in France, which was a mistake in the end. It wasn't the ground. He was too free in front and didn't finish up. We should have run him in the Dewhurst, I regret that." The trainer praised his colt's recent progression, adding: "Then this year he has been exemplary in everything he has done. Look, he is a pleasure to train because he's a pretty laid-back character, which is very useful."

Rivals Struggle Against Superior Class

Henri Matisse emerged from the pack to claim second place without ever threatening the winner, while Ruling Court stayed on to secure third position. The performance highlighted the gulf in class between Field Of Gold and his contemporaries. Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Henri Matisse, remained philosophical about the result: "We are very happy. You are never happy when you get beat, but he still ran a very good race. I think we will stay at a mile. We had it in our heads that he would go to the Sussex Stakes after, so we'll see, but that's what was in our heads." Meanwhile, Charlie Appleby acknowledged that Ruling Court had struggled to travel comfortably throughout the contest: "William said he was never really travelling comfortably, and obviously at this level you need to be able to get up and travel on the bridle, give your horse a breather, to try to go through those gears at the business end."

Future Plans Under Consideration

Gosden revealed that future plans would be carefully considered given the demanding schedule his star has already undertaken: "It was never the plan to go to Ireland, it became the plan, so he's had a trial, two Guineas and this. It's a lot of racing and we're not even beginning to be halfway through the season." The trainer suggested a freshening period might be beneficial: "Maybe we will freshen and go to the Sussex, something like that. I think if he hadn't run in Ireland, I would have probably been keen to go to the Eclipse." Keane was effusive in his praise for his mount: "Good horses make it look easy. It was a very good renewal of the race. I don't know when the last time three Guineas winners clashed, but Field Of Gold was very good at the Curragh and very good again today." His Highness Prince Saud bin Khalid of Juddmonte expressed his delight at the victory: "We are very fortunate to have a horse of this calibre, not only winning but the style by which he won was very impressive, wasn't it? Being a son of Kingman makes it even more of a value to all of us."