Thrilling Eclipse Victory for Derby Winner City of Troy
Sandown, July 6th, 2024 – In a captivating display of equine talent, City of Troy, the champion of this year’s Epsom Derby, solidified his status as a rising star in the sport by clinching a hard-fought victory in the prestigious Group 1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes.
Making his first start against older horses since his Derby triumph, the 3-year-old colt, trained by the legendary Aidan O’Brien, showcased his mettle and tenacity. Jockey Ryan Moore expertly navigated City of Troy through the race, keeping him in close contact with the pacesetter, his stablemate Hans Anderson, as they rounded the turn for home.
When the real challenge began, City of Troy responded with a decisive move, surging past Hans Anderson and fending off a late charge from the gallant Al Riffa. Despite drifting inward in the closing stages, the Derby winner found enough to prevail by a length, crossing the finish line in a time of 2:09.80 for the 1 1/4 mile turf contest.
The victory marked City of Troy’s third career triumph at the elite Group 1 level, following his previous successes in the Dewhurst Stakes and, of course, the Epsom Derby. This latest triumph undoubtedly solidifies the colt’s position as one of the rising stars in the sport, with connections already eyeing the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Classic as a potential target.
“It was a truly remarkable performance from City of Troy,” commented part-owner John Magnier. “The horse has shown tremendous heart and talent, and we couldn’t be prouder of his achievements. While the Breeders’ Cup is certainly a dream, we will take some time to carefully consider our next steps and ensure the best path forward for this exceptional young colt.”
With this captivating Eclipse Stakes victory, City of Troy has undoubtedly cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with in the upper echelons of the sport. Horse racing enthusiasts eagerly await his next outing, eager to witness the continued rise of this champion-in-the-making.
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