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Array demonstrated its strength by overcoming a formidable opponent to secure victory in the highly esteemed US$95.348.52 Gr.2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes, the marquee event of the DDF International Weekend held at Newbury Racecourse.
Throughout the past years, this race has served as a launching pad for the careers of prominent racehorses like Ribchester, Harry Angel, Kessaar and Dark Angel, who have gone on to establish themselves as exceptional stallions. This year's edition of the race upheld the rich tradition of producing exceptional talents.
“Obviously we always try to find something good enough for this race named for my father’s great horse,” said a smiling trainer Andrew Balding after Array held off a pack of challengers, including stablemate Spanish Phoenix who finished close fourth.
“We hadn’t won the Mill Reef for a few years (over twenty),” observed Andrew, “So this is very welcome.”
Array, a Promising Prospect, Ridden by Jockey Oisin Murphy
Both jockey Oisin Murphy and trainer Andrew Balding firmly believe that the Frankel colt has the potential to become an even more promising prospect.
The Saturday card kicked off with the thrilling Dubai International Airport World Trophy sprint, a Group Three race worth US$85,310.75. Surprisingly, it was the sole Irish contender, Thunderbear, who emerged victorious. Trained by the talented Jack Davison, who operates a small stable near Fairyhouse racecourse, this win was a significant milestone for him.
Following this exhilarating sprint, two valuable handicaps took place. In the one mile five furlongs DFF Autumn Cup Handicap, worth US$85,310.75, it was Hughie Morrison's 11YO veteran, Not So Sleepy, who reigned supreme. After almost a year off the track, this resilient horse, guided by jockey Oisin Murphy, led from start to finish, showcasing his determination and skill.
Overall, it was a thrilling Saturday of racing, filled with unexpected triumphs and impressive performances from both seasoned campaigners and rising stars in the horse racing world.
“He works on his own and they left him alone,” said local trainer Morrison. “You know he ran here as a 2YO in 2014, and finished last. He’s run in the Champion Hurdle — he might go hurdling again though we’ll think about the Cesarewitch at Newmarket next month. It’s character horses like Not So Sleepy that make this game what it is.”
On the seventh race of the day, the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Handicap, the large crowd remained captivated. The race spanned eight furlongs and boasted a prize of US$18,280.87. In a stunning display, City of York achieved a treble victory, defying expectations as the horse carried the lowest weight. Trainer David Simcock seized the opportunity, taking advantage of the favourable weather conditions that persisted throughout the afternoon.
The opening race, the Henry Ponsonby Memorial Maiden Stakes, witnessed the remarkable performance of Godolphin's 2YO contender, Movie Maker. Trained by Saeed Bin Suroor and adorned in striking blue colours, the grey colt soared to a six-length victory. Movie Maker had already shown promise in its Lingfield debut, and now the young talent earns a winter trip to Dubai to further develop its skills.
Richard Hannon's Serene Seraph triumphed in the US$24,374.50 Dubai Duty Free Full of Surprises Fillies Conditions Stakes, the second race of the day. Hannon expressed his high regard for the victorious filly, stating, "We think the world of her." Serene Seraph's impressive victory at Newbury opens up the possibility of returning for the Radley Stakes and ultimately aiming for success in the Fred Darling (Dubai Duty Free Stakes) and the esteemed One Thousand Guineas.
In the US$15,416.87 Dubai Duty Free Nursery Handicap, Boyfriend secured a double win for trainer Richard Hannon and jockey Dobbs. However, this race proved to be a nail-biter, with Boyfriend triumphing by a mere neck. Despite facing four prior defeats, Boyfriend finally tasted victory. The horse's exceptional performance on the soft ground, a new experience, showcased its true potential.