On a week when the championship feature races at Royal Ascot have been dominated by the likes of Gosden and O’Brien, Friday brought a surprising twist. Irish trainer Joe Murphy—who has been training winners from his County Tipperary base since 1977—played spoiler when his filly Cercene held off a late challenge from French 1,000 Guineas winner Zarigana, with Aidan O’Brien’s January back in third.
The 70-year-old Murphy reflected on the momentous win, saying the pursuit of a Group 1 victory had been a lifelong effort—especially poignant after he stepped onto the presentation podium and shook hands with the King.
Much of the pre-race focus had been on Francis Graffard’s classic-winning Zarigana, whose triumph in the French Guineas had been controversial after claiming the race via a disqualification. Graffard no doubt hoped for a more straightforward experience this time.
Throughout the majority of the race, Zarigana appeared in control, positioned midfield and looking as though she might launch a decisive run. But Cercene, travelling on her inside, was staying strong and maintaining a one-to-two-length lead.
As they cruised into the straight, jockey Gary Carroll asked Cercene to quicken, and she responded, surging to the front just past the two-furlong marker.
Zarigana, piloted by Barzalona, responded in kind, hitting her stride and pulling ahead. But Cercene wasn’t finished. Though she kept her head high—and the favourite showed signs of faltering—Cercene rallied, re-taking the lead and crossing the finish line by a clear half-length.
“This is 50 years of work, along with my wife and family—we’ve grown it from a small yard, switching from National Hunt to Flat, and we’ve always believed in the horses we’ve bought,” Murphy said, reflecting in the Ascot sunshine. “I’ve waited 50 years for a Group 1 winner, but we’ve been second and third before. We’ve been knocking on the door for a while and today we opened it.”
The victory was also a first Group 1 win for Gary Carroll, who shared credit with his trainer. “I’m delighted this is the year to get a Group 1, but I’m more delighted for Joe,” Carroll said. “I’ve been riding for him since I was a 7lb claimer and he said only last week I was part of the family.”
Cercene is by Coolmore stallion Australia, who has enjoyed a stellar season, including siring Derby winner Lambourn at Epsom just a fortnight ago.
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