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Mick Appleby is capping off a sensational 2024 Qatar Goodwood Festival by claiming his first top trainer award. The Oakham handler is recording an impressive four wins, a second, and two thirds from just seven runners across the meeting.
Appleby's victories are including:
• Big Evs in Friday's G2 King George Qatar Stakes
• Kitai in Tuesday's HKJC World Pool British EBF Fillies' Handicap
• Big Mojo in Wednesday's G3 Jaeger-LeCoultre Molecomb Stakes
• Shagraan in Thursday's Buccellati Handicap
The trainer is expressing his delight: "I never dreamt we'd be able to do it here. I love Goodwood – I prefer it to Royal Ascot!"
Aidan O'Brien is also sending out four winners from a select team of runners, including Kyprios in the G1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup and Opera Singer in the G1 Qatar Nassau Stakes. However, Appleby's superior record of placed horses is edging him out for the title.
Oisin Murphy is collecting the prize for top jockey at the Qatar Goodwood Festival for the first time, thanks to four wins and seven second places. His victories are including:
• A dramatic dead-heat on Spell Master in Saturday's British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden
• Jouncy in Tuesday's British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden
• A Friday double with Toimy Son and Assailant
Murphy is acknowledging the role of fortune in his success: "I was very fortunate that Ryan Moore had to go to America – he rode four winners in three days, and it has taken me five days to ride four winners."
Coolmore Partnerships is claiming the leading owner prize, narrowly beating Wathnan Racing. All four of O'Brien's winners are representing the Coolmore team, highlighting their continued dominance in top-level racing.
As the Qatar Goodwood Festival concludes, the success of Appleby, Murphy, and Coolmore is setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the flat racing season. With their horses in fine form, all eyes will be on their next moves as the season progresses towards its climax.
• Total prize money: Over £6.5 million
• Number of Group 1 races: 3 (Sussex Stakes, Nassau Stakes, Goodwood Cup)
• Festival duration: 5 days
• First held: 1802
The 2024 Qatar Goodwood Festival is once again proving its status as one of the highlights of the British racing calendar, showcasing top-class racing and fierce competition across all levels.