Cinderella’s Dream Has Her Fairytale Ending in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket July

The Godolphin mare secured the biggest victory of her career at Europe's top level, gaining revenge on several rivals along the way

Cinderella's Dream (outside) got the better of January in the Falmouth / GODOLPHIN

NEWMARKET, Inglaterra (Special for Turf Diario).- Cinderella’s Dream left behind the frustration of her Royal Ascot performance to celebrate her first top-level victory on Friday, capturing the Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes (G1, 1600m, £315,000), the feature of the second day at the traditional July Festival.

Carrying the Godolphin silks, the daughter of Shamardal trained by Charlie Appleby returned to her best under jockey William Buick, holding off the Irish filly January (Justify) in a thrilling finish. Recent Duke of Cambridge Stakes (G2) winner Crimson Advocate (Nyquist) finished third, another 1 3/4 lengths back.

The pace was honest but not overly strong. Running Lion (Roaring Lion) led early before January took over midway. Crimson Advocate looked for room up the rail, while Cinderella’s Dream began to unwind her run, striking the front inside the final furlong and holding on by a half-length over January, with Crimson Advocate rounding out the trifecta.

The final time was 1:37.89 over a good-to-firm turf. Elmalka (Kingman), Lady Ilze (Lope de Vega), Atsila (Zarak), Elwateen (Dubawi) and Running Lion completed the order of finish.

Bred by Godolphin, Cinderella’s Dream had enjoyed a stellar 2024 campaign, winning the Belmont Oaks (G1), Saratoga Oaks (G2) and Jumeirah 1000 Guineas (L), and finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf(G1). This year, she had already captured the Dahlia Stakes (G2).

“We knew she wasn’t quite ready at Ascot,” Appleby said post-race. “That run brought her on a lot and she showed it today. She’s very brave and full of quality. William gave her a perfect ride, kept her relaxed and asked at the right time.”

The trainer added: “Today’s performance shows she deserves another crack at the Breeders’ Cup. We believe she’s a filly for those big races, and if all goes well, we’ll aim her back at the Filly & Mare Turf. This was an important step forward.”

Buick commented: “She’s a very special filly. We’ve always believed in her and knew she had this level of talent. January really made her fight for it, and Crimson Advocate was finishing strongly up the inside. But when I asked her for that final effort, she responded like a champion.”

The Falmouth Stakes also suggested that January is on the verge of her first G1 success. Third in the Coronation Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot, she came within inches of victory here, and her progression continues. Meanwhile, Crimson Advocate again proved her quality, though the race shape worked against her this time.

Now a winner of eight races with three seconds from 12 starts and earnings exceeding £1,400,000, Cinderella’s Dream, by Shamardal out of Espadrille (Dubawi), represents two of Godolphin’s classic bloodlines. She adds her name to an increasingly competitive and evenly matched European miling division.