St Nicholas Abbey has claimed a history-making third Coronation Cup at Epsom.
Having beaten multiple Group One winner Midday two years ago and Ed Dunlop’s globetrotting Red Cadeaux last year, it was 2011 Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden’s turn to chase the six-year-old home.
He settled at the rear along with his main market rival Dunaden as the two pacemakers set sail around the turn. When Joseph O’Brien pressed the button two furlongs (400m) from home the response was immediate.
The 30-100 favourite kicked three lengths clear and while Dunaden stuck gamely to his task in second, he was well held by 3-1/4 lengths.
A crack at the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot could now be on the agenda for St Nicholas Abbey, before the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
“He’s an incredible horse and has everything you want in a racehorse – he quickens, he travels and is a joy to be around,” trainer Aidan O’Brien said.
“Everyone has done a good job with him at home and he’s a privilege to be involved with.
“Joseph said he has been very fresh the last few weeks and Chamonix leads him at home, which is why he ran. It’s been a while since he ran.
“What everyone forgets is how much speed this lad showed as a two-year-old, he had that class all the time. Obviously, the trainer destroyed him at three and it took him three years to get back. He is an incredible horse.”
Mikel Delzangles, trainer of Dunaden, said it was no disgrace to run second.
“I think that’s as good as he is compared to St Nicholas Abbey,” he said.
“He ran a good race, but that’s it. The winner is a true champion and very hard to beat, especially on this track.
“Our horse tried his best and ran a great race again.
“The big plan is to have him as well as today on the first Sunday in October (for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe). He will prepare for that in the Prix Foy, and maybe he will run once more before that.”
