Pre-Breeders’ Cup gallop has captured the imagination.
Excitement is building at Southwell as racecourse officials prepare for the highly anticipated arrival of City Of Troy, Aidan O'Brien's superstar colt, who will showcase his pre-Breeders' Cup Classic gallop this Friday. The Nottinghamshire course will be buzzing with energy as over 1,500 spectators are expected to witness one of the most thrilling workout events in recent memory.
City Of Troy, who has carved out a towering reputation in the racing world, will be making his final gallop on synthetic turf before heading to the United States for the prestigious Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar in November. The son of American Triple Crown winner Justify and Group-winning mare Together Forever, City Of Troy has been nothing short of spectacular this season. After a slight stumble in the 2000 Guineas, he rebounded to claim an extraordinary trio of victories, including the Derby, Eclipse, and Juddmonte International.
Now, with the Breeders' Cup Classic looming, this gallop at Southwell is a crucial stepping stone in City Of Troy’s journey. As the world's highest-rated turf horse, his pedigree suggests he could be just as powerful on dirt, and this gallop aims to familiarize him with the synthetic surface before his first-ever run on dirt in California.
John Holliday, clerk of the course at Southwell, is thrilled with the buzz surrounding the event. “There’s a real sense of excitement; it’s almost taken on the atmosphere of a raceday,” Holliday said, describing the mounting anticipation. “We've got a lot of staff working, and the (American) stalls are being delivered as we speak. We’re expecting quite a crowd.”
When first discussed, officials had envisioned a modest turnout of around a couple of hundred people. However, interest in seeing the racing prodigy up close has surged, with an expected crowd of over 1,500. Holliday admits even they have been surprised by how much excitement has grown around City Of Troy’s gallop. “It's kind of developed its own head of steam. The fact that we’re going to be a small part of his career, even in this capacity, has really captured people’s imaginations.”
Spectators attending the event are in for a treat, as Southwell racecourse plans to make the most of the day. Bars will be open, and racing from other venues will be broadcast on big screens throughout the afternoon, ensuring a full day of entertainment beyond the anticipated gallop at 3:45 p.m.
The track is also bringing in American stalls, which will add a touch of authenticity to the workout. This attention to detail reflects the level of professionalism and care the Southwell team is investing in this historic moment. For many, the sight of City Of Troy galloping will be the closest they come to witnessing one of the finest horses of our time in action. His career has been nothing short of legendary, and there’s palpable excitement at being part of the horse’s story as he transitions to what could be a crowning moment in his career.
City Of Troy’s success this season can be attributed not only to his incredible lineage but also to O'Brien’s masterful training. O'Brien is no stranger to grooming champions, but even he has admitted that City Of Troy could be a standout among his stable of legendary horses. With the Breeders’ Cup Classic on the horizon, Friday’s gallop is more than just a routine workout—it’s a critical test that could define City Of Troy’s future on the international stage.
As anticipation builds, Holliday reflects on the importance of this event for Southwell: "It’s great because it gives us a connection to him. We’re excited to say we’ve played a small part in his career." For those attending, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a future legend of the turf up close, and the sense of history is palpable.
With every aspect of the day meticulously planned, Southwell Racecourse is set to host an unforgettable event, and fans of the sport are eager to see how City Of Troy adapts to the synthetic surface. If his past performances are anything to go by, there’s little doubt that this champion colt will rise to the occasion.
As City Of Troy gallops into the next chapter of his career, racing fans across the globe will be watching with bated breath, eager to see if the horse, bred for greatness, can conquer the dirt just as easily as he has the turf. The journey begins at Southwell on Friday, with the world’s eyes on the rising star who could make history once again at Del Mar.
