Shareholder Wins Group 2 Norfolk Stakes, Earns Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint Berth
Royal Ascot, [Publication Date] – In an exciting display of speed and power, Shareholder emerged victorious in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes for 2-year-olds on Thursday, securing a guaranteed start in the prestigious $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.
Jockey James Doyle, fresh off his success with Leovanni in the Queen Mary Stakes (G2) for trainer Karl Burke, once again showcased his talent, guiding Shareholder to a dominant performance. The son of Not This Time, bred in Kentucky by Skyfall Thoroughbreds, overcame a slow start in the 13-horse field to settle into rhythm on the far side of the track.
“He’s a lovely horse, and he’s done nothing but please us at home. I wouldn’t see any problem stepping back up to six furlongs if we want to. Races like the Sumbe Prix Morny (G1) come into the equation. I don’t see why we wouldn’t go straight to a Group 1 now.”
– Trainer Karl Burke
Approaching the final furlong, Shareholder moved smoothly into contention and took the lead, powering home to a 1-length victory over Tropical Storm. Arizona Blaze, representing the same connections as last year’s shock 150-1 winner Valiant Force, finished a fast-closing third.
The winning time of 59.77 seconds for the five-furlong race was recorded on a course rated good to firm.
Prior to his impressive debut at Beverley in the Two Year Old Trophy Conditions Stakes, Shareholder was purchased at the Arqana May Breeze-Up Sale for €460,000 by Wathnan Racing, after being bred and sold as a yearling for $62,000 at the Keeneland September sale.
Looking ahead to the Breeders’ Cup, Burke is eager to go one better than his near-miss in the 2022 Juvenile Turf Sprint with Dramatised, who was just edged out in the final strides. “The ground wouldn’t be an issue with this horse,” he said, expressing confidence in Shareholder’s ability to perform on the international stage.
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