Big Evs Triumphs in Thrilling Qatar King George Stakes at Goodwood

Goodwood, UK – August 1st, 2023

In a closely contested race at the Qatar King George Stakes in Goodwood, Big Evs narrowly avenged his earlier defeat to Asfoora at Royal Ascot. Running in the bright Berkshire sunshine, the Australian speedster proved too strong for his rival, winning by a length and a half.

The well-backed 13/8 favorite had to dig deep as Asfoora, ridden by Oisin Murphy, closed rapidly in the final furlong. At the line, only a short-head separated the two, with Believing (7/1) finishing a late third, ahead of last year’s Coolmore Nunthorpe winner, Live In The Dream.

“He’s fantastic. He’s literally got too much speed!” said winning jockey Tom Marquand. “He just doesn’t want restraining. He’s got so much raw boot and trying to tame that, it almost feels like there is no point, because he grits down for you as well in that last 100 yards.”

Trainer Mick Appleby was delighted with the performance, saying:

“He’s one in a million, the best I’ve trained by a long way. That was very good. It’s unbelievable really, to think where I was 10-15 years ago to where we are now.”

The runner-up Asfoora’s trainer, Henry Dwyer, was proud of his mare’s effort, despite the narrow defeat.

“Big Evs was able to control his own destiny, whereas we were stuck behind a couple, got a bit of a bump at around the 300, I think that’s probably cost her the win, but she’s run great.”

George Boughey, the trainer of third-placed Believing, was also pleased with his filly’s performance, carrying a penalty and overcoming some early traffic issues.

All eyes now turn to York, where Big Evs and Asfoora are set to renew their rivalry in the prestigious Nunthorpe Stakes on Friday. With the runner-up not carrying a penalty, the stage is set for another thrilling clash between these two talented sprinters.

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