City Of Troy Shines Bright in Record-Breaking Juddmonte International Victory

City Of Troy confirmed his place among racing’s elite with a dazzling front-running display in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York on Wednesday, setting a new course record and silencing any lingering doubters in scintillating fashion.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained son of Justify has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, but after a disappointing run in the 2000 Guineas, many wondered if he could truly live up to his potential. However, following his redemptive victories in both the Derby at Epsom and the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, City Of Troy’s performance at the Ebor Festival was a definitive statement of his class.

Ridden by Ryan Moore, who opted to capitalize on City Of Troy’s exceptional stamina from the start, the three-year-old jumped alertly and set a blistering pace. Close behind in pursuit were stablemate Hans Andersen, Royal Rhyme, and Ghostwriter, with Japanese challenger Durezza also in the mix. As the field rounded the bend into the straight, competitors from further back began to close in, but it was clear the race was shaping into a two-horse battle.

Emerging from the pack was Calandagan, the Aga Khan-owned Royal Ascot winner trained by Francis-Henri Graffard. The French raider loomed large as he and City Of Troy scorched clear of the field, but there was no catching the Ballydoyle superstar. Despite Calandagan’s determined challenge, City Of Troy powered through the final stages, crossing the line a length ahead to secure the victory and break Sea The Stars’ long-standing course record. Ghostwriter finished a gallant third, rounding out the podium.

O’Brien was full of praise for his star colt, acknowledging the significance of the performance. “He’s always been something very different, and today he showed exactly why,” the trainer said. “Ryan gave him an incredible ride—deciding to take the lead was his call, and it paid off in spectacular style. For him to break the course record after everything he’s overcome this season is truly special.”

O’Brien also hinted at ambitious future plans, with a potential tilt at the Breeders’ Cup Classic in the United States on the horizon. “He has that natural speed and stamina that’s hard to come by, and we’re hoping the lads might go to the Classic with him. That would be a dream.”

Reflecting on City Of Troy’s journey, O’Brien emphasized the colt’s resilience. “He’s the best I’ve ever trained, without a doubt. We always knew he was special from the time he was two. The Guineas was a bump in the road, but what he’s done since then is just extraordinary. To see him finish so strongly today shows exactly what he’s capable of.”

As City Of Troy heads into the autumn with his reputation soaring, racing fans will be eagerly awaiting his next move. After this breathtaking display, there’s little doubt that Ballydoyle’s latest superstar has etched his name into the history books.