Horse Racing News: Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore Triumph at Newmarket’s July Stakes

In an exciting race at Newmarket, the dynamic duo of trainer Aidan O’Brien and jockey Ryan Moore teamed up to secure a victory with their colt Whistlejacket in the Group 2 July Stakes.

The strongly-supported Whistlejacket (11/10f) comfortably fended off his five rivals, with Billboard Star (13/2) finishing well back in second place, followed by Aomori City in third.

Whistlejacket’s Impressive Performance

Moore expertly navigated Whistlejacket out of the stalls, and despite the colt drifting slightly to the left in the closing stages, the win was never in doubt for the Aidan O’Brien-trained runner, who had previously finished fourth in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.

“He did it well, and we’re very happy with him. He probably learned a lot at Ascot and was a little bit green that day, but I think he has appreciated the step up to six furlongs and the cut in the ground, and it worked well.”

— Coolmore’s Paul Smith

Moore was also pleased with Whistlejacket’s performance, noting that the extra furlong may have played to the colt’s strengths.

“Perhaps the extra furlong is more probably significant (than ground). He didn’t run a bad race at Ascot, he wasn’t beaten far, and as you saw today, it’s his fourth race and he’s still racing green. I think he’s a smart colt, and he will have to step up again, but he has class.”

— Ryan Moore

Looking Ahead

The win has also seen Whistlejacket’s odds for next year’s 2000 Guineas cut from 50-1 to 25-1 with Paddy Power, as the connections now set their sights on prestigious targets such as the Prix Morny or the Phoenix Stakes for the promising young colt.

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