Soldier's Heart Dominates Ripon Champion Trophy Stakes

Soldier's Heart utilized his familiarity with the course to dominate the British Stallion Studs EBF Ripon Champion Two Yrs Old Trophy Stakes from start to finish.

Simon and Ed Crisford increased the distance to six furlongs at Ripon last time out, following his challenging performance in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood.

After an effortless victory in that conditions race, it undoubtedly prepared him well for a tough competition against seven other previous winners.

Harry Davies secured the advantageous rail position starting from stall five, and in reality, the outcome was never in question.

Given an effortless lead, he steadily increased the tempo, and with just a furlong remaining, the race seemed decided as he maintained a four-length advantage.

Among the remaining contenders, Benevento performed admirably, narrowing the gap to within two lengths. However, he ultimately couldn't challenge the 15-8 favorite, who is set to step back up in class.

Richard Fahey's Shadow Army, who previously secured fourth place in the Group One Phoenix Stakes, ended the race noticeably behind, suggesting something may have gone wrong.

Davies commented on the winner: 'He's improved since his last race. He had an excellent start from the gates and showed more savvy today, whereas previously he was more inquisitive.'

'Having been here before has clearly benefited him. Some horses struggle on their first visit, but he has definitely progressed and handled the conditions excellently.

He's compact and bred for speed, and moving back up to six furlongs has certainly benefited him. He performed well today.

He is entered in the Mill Reef at Newbury on September 21 and the Middle Park at Newmarket on September 28, keeping those options on the table. If he maintains his current form, we'll be delighted.

'At Goodwood in the Molecomb, he struggled to keep up as it was my first time riding him. Goodwood’s sharp five furlongs can be very challenging; once they get unbalanced coming down the hill, it's hard to recover. He only found his stride in the last furlong.

'We were confident that if we brought him to a place where he felt at ease, he would take the lead once more.'