Field of Gold Romps in the St James's Palace at Royal Ascot

The Son of Kingman Turns the Tables on Ruling Court, Solidifies Dominance After Irish 2000 Guineas Win

Field of Gold Was Simply Marvelous at Royal Ascot / ROYAL ASCOT

BERKSHIRE, Inglaterra (Special for Turf Diario).- Field Of Gold left no doubts with a commanding 3 1/2-length victory in the St James’s Palace Stakes (G1), cementing his status as Europe’s top 3-year-old miler. The Kingman colt, who also won this very race in 2014, had shown his class weeks earlier by dominating the Irish 2000 Guineas (G1). This time, he exacted revenge on Ruling Court (Justify), who had bested him in the English version of the classic.

Under the calm guidance of Colin Keane, the newly appointed jockey for Juddmonte, and prepared by John and Thady Gosden, Field Of Gold cruised comfortably throughout the trip. When Keane asked for his effort in the stretch, the colt unleashed an impressive acceleration to put the race out of reach with absolute authority.

Henri Matisse (Wootton Bassett), the betting rival, ran well but never threatened the winner, while Ruling Court finished third after a somewhat troubled trip, never finding the rhythm of his best efforts.

“That was a fabulous ride,” said John Gosden. “Oisin (Murphy) set a steady pace up front on Windlord (Dubawi), Juddmonte’s other colt, and Colin always had plenty left. For a moment, I thought we moved too early because Ascot finishes uphill, but when I looked back, no one was coming. You always have to look back in these races…”

Regarding Field Of Gold’s campaign, he added: “We always liked him as a 2-year-old, but he was big and got a little out of control. We took him to France and that was a mistake—not because of the track, but because he went too freely and didn’t finish. We probably should have run him in the Dewhurst… This year has been flawless: a prep, two Guineas, and now this. He’s achieved a lot in a short time, so now we’ll carefully consider his next targets.”

Gosden concluded: “The logical step would be the Sussex Stakes (G1) at Goodwood. If he hadn’t run in Ireland, maybe I’d think about the Eclipse, but when they win like that—even easily—they expend energy, and I don’t want to push him too hard.”

Keane, enjoying a special moment after joining the powerful Juddmonte team, said: “Good horses make everything look easy. This was a great running of the St James’s with three classic winners on the track. Field Of Gold was excellent at Curragh and proved it again today. I’m very grateful to be riding him. He’s definitely the best horse I’ve ever ridden, and to have this opportunity so early in my Juddmonte relationship is very special.”

His Highness Prince Saud bin Khalid, representing Juddmonte, added: “Having a horse of this caliber is a blessing—not just for winning, but the way he won. Being a son of Kingman makes him even more valuable. He’s part of Prince Khalid’s legacy. I thank the trainers, the jockey, and the whole team. I hope the performance pleased everyone and helps grow the sport.”

Aidan O’Brien, trainer of Henri Matisse, was candid: “You’re never fully happy when you don’t win, but the colt ran very well. He’ll probably stay at a mile, and if all goes well, the Sussex will be the target.”

Charlie Appleby, meanwhile, lamented Ruling Court’s subdued effort: “William (Buick) said he never got comfortable, and at this level, you need to settle, breathe, and have reserves for the finish. We still believe his best distances are a mile and a quarter. He won the Guineas, and then we chose not to run him in the Derby due to the going. Maybe changing his campaign wasn’t ideal, but now we aim to return to those distances. The Juddmonte International might be the long-term target.”