Stoute and Juddmonte Eye Final Glory with Rising Star Jonquil in Flying Scotsman Stakes

As Sir Michael Stoute nears the end of his illustrious training career, he and the renowned Juddmonte ownership group are hoping to conclude their storied partnership on a high. Their latest hope, the promising colt Jonquil, could be the one to deliver a fitting farewell by winning Friday’s Betfred Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster.

Stoute, who has announced his retirement at the end of this season, has been a pillar of British racing for decades, and his long-standing connection with Juddmonte has produced countless memorable moments. Their collaboration has yielded more than 50 stakes winners, including the brilliant Derby and Arc victor Workforce. Now, Jonquil, a homebred son of Lope De Vega, is being touted as their next big thing, following an eye-catching debut victory at Sandown.

Jonquil showed remarkable potential on his first outing, overcoming a difficult position to finish with authority. The quick step up to Listed company at Doncaster signifies the confidence his connections have in his ability to compete at a higher level.

“It’s a little bit of a quick turnaround, but he came out of Sandown in very good shape,” said Barry Mahon, Juddmonte’s European racing manager. “We were all impressed with his debut win, and hopefully, he can build on that.”

Jonquil’s task at Doncaster brings back fond memories of Stoute’s previous successes in the Flying Scotsman Stakes, a race he has won five times, including a victory with Sangarius in 2018. If Jonquil triumphs, it will add to the rich history of the trainer-owner duo, potentially delivering Stoute his sixth win in the seven-furlong contest.

Reflecting on the longstanding relationship between Stoute and Juddmonte, Mahon expressed deep admiration for the Barbadian trainer. “Sir Michael has probably been one of the best British trainers of the last century, right up there with the best. He’s trained some great horses for us,” Mahon said. “It’s great to see him going out on his terms and on a high. Hopefully, Jonquil can send him off with a victory from our point of view.”

Stoute’s final chapter with Juddmonte is laden with fond memories, including their last major success with Expert Eye, who won the Breeders’ Cup Mile under Stoute’s guidance. The trainer’s masterful handling of the colt, overcoming early-career hurdles, cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s true greats. “To get him to win at Royal Ascot and then the Breeders’ Cup was a phenomenal training performance,” Mahon added.

With Ryan Moore, who rode Workforce to Derby and Arc glory, taking the reins once again for Juddmonte in the Flying Scotsman, all eyes will be on Jonquil as he looks to deliver a victory that could cap off an extraordinary chapter in racing history. A win would not only mark Jonquil’s emergence as a potential star but also serve as a fitting send-off for one of British racing’s greatest partnerships.

As the curtain begins to fall on Sir Michael Stoute’s career, Juddmonte’s latest rising star may just give them one final moment of glory together.