‘All the good mile-and-a-half races’ will be on the agenda for 2025.
The connections of You Got To Me, the talented filly who captured the hearts of many with her Irish Oaks triumph, are looking towards next season with renewed hope after her underwhelming performance in the St Leger at Doncaster. Following a year filled with ups and downs, the daughter of Nathaniel will now take a much-needed break at Newsells Park Stud, with plans to return to the track as a four-year-old.
You Got To Me’s season has been nothing short of eventful. After finishing a respectable fourth in both the Epsom Oaks and the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot, she finally had her moment of glory when she claimed the Irish Oaks at the Curragh in July. A strong follow-up second-place finish in the Yorkshire Oaks further cemented her status as a top-class filly. However, hopes of ending her season on a high note in the St Leger were dashed when she finished last in a field of seven.
Reflecting on the performance at Doncaster, Alex Elliott, the racing advisor to part-owners Valmont, admitted that the race did not unfold in You Got To Me’s favor. “I think the main thing for this filly all year has been the pace of the race, and they just didn’t go quick enough,” Elliott explained. "She didn’t really drop the bridle until they turned into the straight, and over that trip, you just can’t afford to expend any extra energy, especially at that level.”
What a ride 🚀
You Got To Me gives @HectorCrouch his first Classic success by taking the Juddmonte Irish Oaks at the @curraghrace 👏#EveryRacingMoment | @RalphBeckettpic.twitter.com/fV5sMIS6pA
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) July 20, 2024
Elliott noted that You Got To Me had been through several challenging races this season, and it was time for her to take a well-deserved break. "She's been to a lot of dances this year, and she's now finished for the season. She's back at Newsells Park Stud and will have a good break. We’ll look forward to next year with her," he added.
Looking ahead, the Valmont team remains optimistic about her future, with Dubai and some of the top mile-and-a-half races potentially on the horizon. “If she came right in time, you could probably look at Dubai, and then it will be all the good mile-and-a-half races moving forward," Elliott hinted, leaving the door open for a stellar campaign next year.
While You Got To Me takes time to recover, another exciting filly from the Ralph Beckett stable has emerged to capture the team’s attention. Sandtrap, a daughter of Lope De Vega, made her racecourse debut in impressive style at Salisbury earlier this month, easily justifying her status as the odds-on favorite. Despite being a May 15 foal and bred to thrive as a three-year-old, Sandtrap’s two-year-old debut performance exceeded expectations, raising hopes for her future.
Elliott expressed his delight at Sandtrap’s potential, noting how carefully she has been brought along. "She's done everything on her own, and Ralph has brought her along slowly. She's a May 15 foal and is bred to be a three-year-old really, so for her to go and do that on debut at two was everything we hoped for and more," he said.
Although Sandtrap does not currently hold any big-race entries, Elliott did not rule out the possibility of her stepping up in class before the season ends. “She’s come out of it very well, and it’s just a question of whether Ralph runs her again this season or not,” Elliott explained. "I suppose all options are open, and we’ll let Ralph tell us when and where he wants to run her."
With her breeding and the impressive debut performance behind her, Sandtrap is expected to make a significant impact next season. “From what she's shown and the way she's bred, you've got to think she's got a chance of making up into a high-class filly," Elliott added, fueling expectations of what could be a bright future for the young prospect.
As one chapter closes for You Got To Me, another promising one opens with Sandtrap. Both fillies represent the exciting future of the Valmont team and trainer Ralph Beckett’s yard, with high hopes that their talents will shine brightly in the upcoming seasons.
The racing world can be full of highs and lows, but You Got To Me’s resilience and Sandtrap’s emerging brilliance offer a glimpse of the emotional rollercoaster that defines this sport. The true beauty of horse racing lies not just in the victories but in the potential of what lies ahead. The patience, the preparation, and the thrill of watching horses evolve into champions is what keeps fans and owners alike invested season after season. You Got To Me’s setback in the St Leger is not a failure but a stepping stone to what could be an even greater season next year, while Sandtrap’s early success only hints at what’s to come. Both fillies represent the heart and soul of racing – potential, promise, and perseverance.
