Listed race strike for Gary and Josh Moore’s charge.
Novus bounced back to winning form in a hard-fought battle to claim the Listed Foundation Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday. Trained by Gary and Josh Moore, the four-year-old filly edged out the 2-1 favourite, Botanical, trained by George Boughey, to secure a narrow short-head victory under jockey Rhys Clutterbuck.
Starting at 11-2, Novus relished the soft conditions on the Sussex Downs, despite a slow start, showcasing her resilience in the final stages. This marked her first victory of the 2024 season and set up a potential trip to Newmarket, where she may defend her Pride Stakes title from 2023.
"She's a very good filly, a tough filly, and she got her ground today," said trainer Gary Moore. "She probably hasn't had the ground she wants this season, and I've probably overfed her a few times as well. But she is very, very good."
Moore also mentioned that Novus may either head to France or return to Newmarket for the Group Three Pride Stakes, depending on the ground conditions.
Hamad Al Jehani-trained Solar Aclaim wins The @Heineken Handicap Stakes under Faleh Bughenaim 🏆 #Goodwood #GoodwoodRaces pic.twitter.com/WhQJIffwmm
— Goodwood Racecourse (@Goodwood_Races) September 25, 2024
In another standout moment, Wathnan Racing celebrated a historic victory as Solar Acclaim became the first Qatar-trained and Qatar-ridden winner in the UK. The six-furlong Heineken Handicap triumph saw jockey Faleh Bughenaim steer the 16-1 outsider to victory, marking a special milestone for the owners.
"It was a tremendous result for us this afternoon," said Wathnan's Richard Brown. "It is a huge moment for Wathnan, and all credit goes to Hamad and Faleh."
The win was also significant for Bughenaim, who had just a handful of rides in the UK since joining trainer Hamad Al Jehani at his Newmarket base. Brown praised Bughenaim’s ride, noting, "Faleh has been champion jockey in Qatar... and I thought he gave Solar Aclaim a fantastic ride."
