Irish Derby runner-up did well to finish where he did in luckless King George run.
Sunway Eyes Betfred St Leger Glory as David Menuisier’s Star Colt Gears Up for Doncaster Showdown
David Menuisier’s star three-year-old colt, Sunway, is set to take on the ultimate test of stamina and class as he prepares for a crack at the Betfred St Leger, the world’s oldest Classic, on September 14 at Doncaster. The Galiway progeny, a full-brother to the 2021 Champion Stakes winner Sealiway, has shown remarkable resilience and an indomitable spirit, qualities that will be put to the test in the demanding mile-and-three-quarter contest.
A Path Paved with Promise
Sunway's journey to the St Leger has been anything but ordinary. The colt ended his two-year-old campaign in spectacular fashion by claiming victory in the Group One Criterium International at Saint-Cloud, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising young thoroughbreds. His three-year-old season kicked off with a near-miss in the Group Three Prix Greffulhe, where he finished a close second, losing by just a neck in a hard-fought battle on familiar turf.
But it was in June, under the bright lights of the Irish Derby, that Sunway truly signaled his potential for greatness. Despite the stiff competition, he delivered a stunning performance, finishing less than a length behind the winner, a run that underlined his deep reservoir of stamina—a vital asset for the testing St Leger distance.
Ascot: A Trial by Fire
Sunway’s most recent outing in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot was a test of both his physical prowess and his mental fortitude. With the experienced James Doyle in the saddle, Sunway faced a daunting challenge as he lost his footing turning into the home straight—a moment that could have spelled disaster. But in a display of sheer grit and determination, the colt regained his balance, dug deep, and fought his way to a commendable fourth-place finish, making up significant ground despite the setback.
David Menuisier, reflecting on the race, couldn’t hide his admiration for Sunway’s tenacity. “That was a really good run at Ascot considering the horse nearly fell over in the bend,” Menuisier remarked. “He lost his balance and all momentum, but he managed to quicken again and go and get fourth place. I thought that was a very satisfactory effort.”
The Road to Doncaster
With Ascot now behind him, Sunway is taking a well-deserved break before resuming preparations for his date with destiny at Doncaster. The colt’s journey to the St Leger is one marked by growth, courage, and the ability to overcome adversity—traits that will serve him well as he steps up to the grueling demands of the 1-mile-6-furlong Classic.
Menuisier remains optimistic about Sunway’s chances in the St Leger, pointing out that the colt has consistently demonstrated his staying power in both the Irish Derby and the King George. “You could see in the Irish Derby and also in the King George, he stayed on really well to finish both races,” he said, hinting at Sunway’s potential to excel over the extended distance at Doncaster.
Currently priced at 8-1 for the St Leger, Sunway is certainly not flying under the radar, and expectations are high as he prepares to take on what could be the defining challenge of his career.
Sunway’s journey to the Betfred St Leger encapsulates the drama, unpredictability, and excitement that make horse racing such a compelling sport. From the near-disaster at Ascot to the promise shown in his previous runs, Sunway embodies the spirit of a true champion—one who thrives not only in victory but in the face of adversity. David Menuisier’s handling of this promising colt has been nothing short of masterful, and the decision to aim for the St Leger reflects a calculated belief in Sunway’s ability to shine over longer distances. As the racing world watches with bated breath, all eyes will be on Doncaster to see if Sunway can fulfill his potential and etch his name alongside the greats who have triumphed in the world’s oldest Classic.
