Stable News
09.08.06 - Dunlop reflects on Glorious Goodwood
FOR ALL at Gainsborough Stables, Goodwood’s principal 2006 meeting truly was glorious.
Not since 1999 has a yard won both of the fixture’s Group 1 contests. But Court Masterpiece and Ouija Board secured a never-to-be-forgotten double for trainer Ed Dunlop’s team when winning the Sussex Stakes and Nassau Stakes, respectively.
Court Masterpiece, who could be judged an unlucky second in the Queen Anne Stakes on his previous run, underlined his Group One credentials with a brilliant two-length victory in the Sussex.
Then Ouija Board won a Nassau that everyone present at Goodwood last Saturday, will have etched in their mind forever.
Short head verdicts naturally indicate a thrilling finish. But on this occasion the preceding two furlongs led to a finale that stretched emotions to breaking point.
Ouija Board and Alexander Goldrun eye-balled one another stride after stride, neither giving an inch. At the climax, it was Gainsborough’s most famous inmate, who prevailed to bring to a conclusion one of ‘the’ great races of modern times.
Dunlop said: “With two great mares, it seems a shame that one had to lose. But there had to be a winner and on this occasion it was us.
“It really was a fantastic duel. Ouija Board’s victory meant that it was a great day for the yard and great for her after the Eclipse.
“When you are so close, you don’t fully appreciate what a great race it was. But the Press have subsequently documented just how exciting it was.”
Plans are fluid as to where she will head next and much depends on how she is. A third shot at the Breeders’ Cup has always been a long-term aim, but there also contests such as the Irish Champion, Vermeille, the Opera, the Arc and the English Champion that are in the equation.
Dunlop added: “She has been out in the field the last couple of days and I don’t plan for her to be ridden for another couple of days.
“Half of the weight that she lost, she has put back on already. She looks well and I just hope that the warm weather continues to hold. She is eating well and seems happy. We will see whether she needs a break.”
As for Court Masterpiece, his latest triumph, his fourth at Goodwood, sits above his fine French win last autumn in the Prix de la Foret.
Dunlop assessed: “He quickened up very well under Jimmy Fortune, who gave him a great ride. The myth about him being a seven-furlong specialist seems to have gone – certainly on that ground. He has impressively beaten some very good milers.”
The short-term future points to Ascot for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on September 23, while in the long-term a stallion position looks assured.
The six-year-old has seemingly just got better and better with age, with this year seeing him display a level of high consistency that perhaps connections couldn’t have envisaged two years.
Dunlop said: “He has had a much more level campaign this year and having a Group 1 penalty has meant that we’ve always known where we’ve been going.
“Hopefully, this (his Sussex Stakes’ success) will allow him to be a stallion in the future. That will be great for the horse and fully deserved.”
Looking ahead, Dunlop said: “At this stage, we are planning to go for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes next. The horse has come out well from his Goodwood race and is back enjoying gentle canters. He seems very fresh and well.”
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