Arlington Million Triumph for Globetrotting Nations Pride
In a thrilling display of equine talent, the globetrotting horse Nations Pride added a fourth Group One victory to his impressive resume by winning the prestigious Arlington Million at Colonial Downs on Sunday. The five-year-old, trained by the esteemed Charlie Appleby, has been a force to be reckoned with on the international racing circuit.
Nations Pride’s journey to the top began as a juvenile, where he secured two victories, before launching his three-year-old campaign with a valuable win at Meydan and a subsequent Listed success at Newmarket. Despite a disappointing outing in the 2022 Epsom Derby, where he finished eighth behind Desert Crown, the son of Teofilo has since enjoyed a remarkable run of success overseas.
Prior to the Arlington Million, Nations Pride had already claimed three Group One wins, including the Saratoga Derby, the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis in Germany, and the Canadian International at Woodbine. His consistency on American soil was also evident, as he had been placed in the Man O War Stakes and the Manhattan Stakes earlier in the year.
“Nations Pride is a very good horse. He is very uncomplicated and does exactly what you like. He is a pleasure to ride,” said jockey William Buick on Godolphin’s website.
Heading into the Arlington Million, Nations Pride was the hot favourite, and he did not disappoint. Settling comfortably in the middle of the pack as Sugoi set the pace, the William Buick-ridden horse produced a powerful surge on the outside as they rounded the home turn. Quickening up smartly, Nations Pride crossed the finish line a length and three-quarters ahead of Integration, with the Charlie Hills-trained Ancient Rome a further half-length behind in third.
Buick also highlighted the horse’s versatility, noting that a mile and a quarter is probably his best trip, although he can stretch out to an easy mile and a half. The team at Godolphin, led by trainer Charlie Appleby, will now evaluate the next steps for the remarkable Nations Pride, as he continues to cement his status as a global equine superstar.
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