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| Staff Writer |
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Racing into the history books with a blistering performance, City Of Troy left an all-star cast trailing in his wake as he scorched to victory in the Gr.1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York on Wednesday. The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt shattered the course record, cementing his status as one of the true greats of his generation.
Breaking alertly under a tactically astute Ryan Moore, City Of Troy seized control from the outset. The son of Justify, showing his trademark high cruising speed, set a strong gallop that had his rivals struggling to keep tabs. As the field swung for home, it was clear the Ballydoyle star had plenty left in the tank.
While Calandagan burst from the pack to throw down a determined challenge for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, City Of Troy found another gear when asked. The Irish raider crossed the line a length clear of his French rival, with Clive Cox's Ghostwriter claiming a creditable third.
Speaking after the race, a visibly moved Aidan O'Brien reiterated his belief that City Of Troy is the finest horse he has ever trained – high praise indeed from the master of Ballydoyle. "He's just different class," O'Brien enthused. "The way he travels, the turn of foot he has – he's got everything you look for in a champion."
The Juddmonte International, worth a cool US$1.27 million to the winner, has a rich history of producing exceptional champions. Recent victors include the brilliant Baaeed (2022), who went on to be crowned Cartier Horse of the Year, and Ghaiyyath (2020), who secured three Group One victories that season.
Perhaps the most famous winner in recent years was the incomparable Frankel, who stormed to a seven-length success in 2012. That performance came during his unbeaten 14-race career, which saw him earn over US$4 million in prize money and be hailed as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
City Of Troy's demolition job at York serves as a redemptive arc following his sole career defeat in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. Since that blip, the colt has been imperious, landing both the Derby at Epsom and the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown with authority.
While some critics remained unconvinced by the manner of his Sandown triumph, this latest tour de force will have silenced even the most ardent doubters. Breaking the track record previously held by Brigadier Gerard since 1972 is no mean feat, especially considering the calibre of horse to have graced the Knavesmire in the intervening years.
As the dust settles on a memorable Ebor Festival opener, all eyes will now turn to City Of Troy's next assignment. With the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp and the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita both mooted as potential targets, racing fans around the globe will be eagerly anticipating the chance to see this equine superstar in action once more.
One thing is certain – wherever City Of Troy turns up next, he'll take some beating. The racing world has been put on notice; a new champion has well and truly arrived.