Quinault Secures 10th Career Win in Thrilling Garrowby Stakes at York

Prolific sprinter Quinault added yet another victory to his impressive tally, landing his 10th career win in the Starman At Tally Ho Stud Garrowby Stakes at York. Trained by Stuart Williams, the four-year-old continues his remarkable form, securing his third Listed-class triumph of the season following wins at Chester and Newmarket in August.

With Marco Ghiani in the saddle, the 6-4 favorite took an early lead and immediately angled towards the favored stands rail. Quinault controlled the race from there, holding off a late challenge from Purosangue and jockey Oisin Murphy to win by a neck.

After the race, Ghiani praised the sprinter’s tenacity: “He’s got the will to win and always puts his best foot forward. I knew Oisin and the others would come late, but Quinault responded well when they got close. Even though it wasn’t his ideal ground, he dug deep and kept his head in front.”

Ghiani also revealed that a strategic decision to hug the stands rail paid dividends. “I walked the track beforehand and saw the far side wasn’t great. Stuart gave me the green light to edge across, and it worked perfectly,” he said.

Trainer Stuart Williams echoed his jockey’s sentiments, stating that Quinault is continuing to mature and improve: “He’s growing up mentally and physically getting stronger. We’re really pleased with his progress, and there’s more to come from him.”

Williams even hinted that the gelding might be ready to challenge top sprinters next year, pointing to the close margins between Quinault and proven Group 1 competitors like Vadream: “There’s not much between them, and Quinault doesn’t have many miles on the clock. We’ll be looking forward to next year with him.”

Windlord Impresses with Dominant Victory at York

Another horse making headlines at York was Windlord, a two-year-old colt trained by Andrew Balding, who stamped his authority on the British European Breeders Fund Novice Stakes with a commanding five-and-a-half-length victory.

Ridden by Oisin Murphy, the Dubawi colt, out of a daughter of French superstar mare Goldikova, put in a dazzling display after a two-month break. Murphy guided the 6-5 favorite to a wide-margin win, with Windlord looking every inch a top prospect for the future.

Murphy was impressed by the colt’s ability, saying, “He’s a lovely horse with a bright future. He’s still a little green, but he straightened up late and hit the line well. He’s bred for greatness, and I think we’ll see big things from him.”

With high-class entries including the Royal Lodge, Windlord looks set to be a key player in the juvenile division.

Murphy on Course for Another Jockeys’ Championship

Oisin Murphy further strengthened his lead in the jockeys' championship with another win aboard Brighton Boy in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Nursery Handicap. The victory, which marked his 29th birthday weekend, keeps him firmly on course to regain the jockeys’ title, having previously topped the standings in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Reflecting on his journey, Murphy said, “It’s been a few years since I last won the championship, and things are different now. It wasn’t easy getting back to this level, but I’m grateful to Qatar Racing and Andrew Balding for their support.”

With the season in full swing, Murphy’s form is pointing toward another title win, underlining his status as one of the top jockeys in the sport.