Mishriff added to his reputation as the world’s most versatile racehorse at York when running away with the 2021 renewal of the Juddmonte International.
The all-aged Group 1 race lost some of its lustre when the ante-post favourite St Mark’s Bailica was withdrawn but that horse’s connections provided an able deputy in the shape of the multiple Group 1 winner Love. Recent Sussex Stakes heroine Alcohol Free was stepping up in trip and William Haggas fielded Alenquer and Mohaafeth, both of whom had promised plenty earlier in the season. Jim Bolger added further spice by stepping his Group 1 winning miler Mac Swiney, well beaten in both his recent starts at a mile and a half, back down in trip.
But it was the globe-trotting Mishriff, already a winner of over £10 million in prize money courtesy in large part of his wins in the Saudi Cup and in Dubai’s Sheema Classic, who sparkled, winning in great style from Alenquer with Love back in third.
In the race Mac Swiney set a steady gallop with Alenquer and Love sitting just behind. Mishriff was held up in behind these but as they entered the home straight and began to set sail for home it was David Egan on Mishriff who looked to be holding the aces as he cruised up on the outside of his rivals. With Mac Swiney weakening and both Alenquer and Love under pressure Mohaafeth briefly flattered to deceive but the further they went the further Mishriff drew clear, winning by 6 lengths in the end.
A son of the stallion Make Believe, who stands at Ballyinch Stud in Ireland, Mishriff was home-bred by his owner Prince Faisal out of a Raven’s Pass mare, Contradict. Raven’s Pass won a Breeder’s Cup Classic on an artificial surface for Mishriff’s trainer John Gosden back in 2008 and perhaps some of his versatility is evident in his grandson.
After the race Gosden was keen to look ahead to a number of possible targets around the world for his colt. “There are races deep into the autumn if he’s in good order. Namely the Arc or Champions Day, ground dependent. Then you have a mile and a half at Del Mar and the Japan Cup.”
For winning jockey, 22 year old David Egan, it was a first UK Group 1 success. The young rider had been on board Mishriff for his big money wins in the Middle East but winning at the top level back on home soil was clearly a special moment and he was surprised by how well his horse travelled through the race. “I couldn’t believe how well I was travelling approaching the three-pole. I had it in the back of my mind how well he stays the mile and a quarter on a flat track. I got him in a nice rhythm, relaxed, that was the key and we were in the exact spot we wanted to be.”
It was the 50th running of the International at York and it provided a great spectacle and worthy winner for the large crowd who were returning to York’s flagship Ebor meeting for the first time since 2019.
