Deira Mile Eyes Classic Triumph in St Leger Despite Windsor Setback

Trainer Owen Burrows remains optimistic about Deira Mile's prospects for Classic success in the upcoming Betfred St Leger, despite the colt's narrow defeat at Windsor on Saturday. The Camelot-sired contender, who was heavily favored for the Listed August Stakes, was edged out by Sea Of Roses in a closely contested race, but Burrows is far from discouraged as he looks ahead to Doncaster on September 14.

Making his first start since finishing fourth in the Derby behind City of Troy in June, Deira Mile was expected to dominate the field at Windsor. However, a well-executed front-running performance by Sea Of Roses, expertly guided by jockey Hayley Turner, thwarted Deira Mile’s bid for victory, with the colt falling short by just a neck.

Reflecting on the race, Burrows acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but emphasized that the run served its purpose as a preparatory outing for the St Leger. “It was disappointing not to win, but it was a bit of a messy race, so I wasn’t too disappointed with the performance as such,” Burrows stated.

The Windsor race, slightly shorter than Deira Mile’s preferred distance, was seen as a crucial step in readying the colt for the rigors of the St Leger. “It would have been asking a lot to go to a Leger without a prep run, so I was pleased to get one into him,” Burrows explained. “It was probably half a furlong shorter than ideal and a messy old race, but fair play to Hayley, she got her fractions spot-on and we couldn’t quite get by.”

Despite the second-place finish, Burrows remains confident in Deira Mile’s ability and has no plans to alter the colt's course towards Doncaster. “I was happy as you can be for finishing second, and we’ll go straight to the Leger now. I don’t see any reason to change plans, so we’ll head to Doncaster,” he confirmed.

The Betfred St Leger, the final Classic of the British flat racing season, presents a significant challenge, but Burrows believes Deira Mile is well-equipped to take on the competition. With the Windsor run under his belt, Deira Mile is poised to make a strong bid for victory at Doncaster, where the colt will have the opportunity to claim his place among the season’s standout performers.

As the countdown to the St Leger begins, all eyes will be on Deira Mile as he looks to capitalize on his potential and secure a Classic win that would mark a career milestone for both the horse and his connections.