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| Staff Writer |
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Black Forza delivered a powerful late surge to claim the Gr.2 Markel Richmond Stakes at Goodwood, providing trainer Michael O'Callaghan with his second festival success and jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle with his first.
The son of Complexity, was held up towards the rear for much of the six-furlong contest before unleashing a devastating turn of foot to collar 11-10 favourite The Strikin Viking in the closing stages. The winning margin was half a length, with Intrusively a further three-quarters of a length back in third.
O'Callaghan, who previously tasted Goodwood success with Steel Bull in the 2020 Molecomb Stakes, said: "Fantastic – to win the Richmond is very special. This horse loves that ground. He was flat out for the first half of the race and was just getting going at the line – he hit the line very strong. He'll be better in a better race."
The Irish handler added: "I think he just had a bit of class, more than raw pace. It takes class to see out a race where they go very quick."
The Richmond Stakes, a Gr.2 contest for two-year-olds, has a rich history dating back to 1877. Named after the Duke of Richmond, the race has been a stepping stone for many future stars of the turf, including the likes of Rodrigo de Triano and Uhta Maden.
Black Forza's victory adds another chapter to this illustrious race, with his late-charging style reminiscent of some of the great winners of the past. The colt's American breeding – he's by first-season sire Complexity out of a Medaglia d'Oro mare – adds an intriguing dimension to his future prospects.
O'Callaghan elaborated on the colt's background: "We bought him at the breeze-ups. Goodwood has been lucky for us; I didn't get to be here when Steel Bull won the Molecomb. For this horse to come here was kind of the plan even before he won his maiden, the loose plan."
The trainer's keen eye at the sales has once again paid dividends. Black Forza was purchased for £220,000 at Doncaster's breeze-up sale in April, a significant investment that now looks shrewd given this Group Two success.
McMonagle, celebrating his maiden Goodwood victory, said: "It's my first ride here so I've got off to a good start! Black Forza is a top-quality colt. He is improving and I still think he's going to come on a lot again."
The young jockey's patience in the saddle was key to the victory. He added: "Stamina was never going to be a problem for us. He jumped fine and, after talking to Seamie Heffernan on the last day, we just felt that a little bit of cover would be the key to getting him relaxed in the first half."
This tactical approach paid dividends, with Black Forza showcasing an impressive turn of foot when it mattered most. McMonagle's partnership with O'Callaghan has been flourishing this season, with this Group Two success a clear highlight of their collaboration.
Richard Brown, representing Wathnan Racing, owners of the runner-up, said: "We are delighted with The Strikin Viking. I imagine a fast six furlongs at York will be right up his alley. I hate making plans straight after a race but, literally, he hadn't pulled up and I was thinking Gimcrack Stakes."
The Gimcrack Stakes, another prestigious Group Two contest for juveniles, could set up an intriguing rematch between the top two. The race, run at York's Ebor meeting in August, has often proved a key pointer towards future Group One performers.
James Bethell, assistant trainer of third-placed Intrusively, said: "The track didn't suit him and he was a bit slowly away. Hollie [Doyle] said he took a bit of organising coming down the hill. When he was able to run on, he did it well."
The undulating nature of Goodwood's unique track often proves challenging for inexperienced two-year-olds, making Black Forza's performance all the more impressive. His ability to handle the course bodes well for future assignments at the highest level.
Looking ahead, O'Callaghan hinted at ambitious plans for his charge: "I would be hopeful that he will get seven furlongs in time, and maybe, he might get a mile round a turn. He's an American-bred horse – we'll see how the rest of the year goes."
The trainer's comments suggest that major autumn targets could be on the agenda, with races like the National Stakes at the Curragh or even a tilt at the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket potentially in the mix.
Black Forza's victory continues a strong season for Irish-trained juveniles, following on from impressive performances at Royal Ascot and in domestic Group races. The depth of talent among the two-year-old ranks in Ireland suggests that the Emerald Isle could have a strong hand in the major juvenile contests as the season progresses.
As the dust settles on another thrilling renewal of the Richmond Stakes, all eyes will be on Black Forza's next move. With his powerful finishing kick and scope for further improvement, he has stamped himself as a two-year-old to follow closely.
The victory also marks a significant milestone for owners Eleanora Kennedy, who have invested heavily in young bloodstock in recent years. Their faith in O'Callaghan's judgement has been handsomely rewarded, and Black Forza could prove to be the flag-bearer they've been seeking to establish themselves among the elite ownership groups.
With the major autumn two-year-old contests on the horizon, Black Forza's Richmond Stakes triumph has thrown him into the mix as a serious contender. Whether he steps up in trip or continues to campaign over six furlongs, his future looks bright, and he could well be a name to remember as thoughts begin to turn to next year's Classics.