Grade One win in Canada was a first for first-season sire Kameko
In a much-anticipated spectacle, Southwell Racecourse is set to welcome over 1,500 eager fans to witness City of Troy’s pre-Breeders’ Cup Classic gallop. The gallop, taking place on Friday at 3.45 pm, will serve as an introduction to a synthetic surface for the world’s highest-rated turf horse, who will be making his dirt debut at the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Classic this November.
Aidan O’Brien’s phenomenal colt has already carved out a remarkable reputation on the turf, earning accolades for his victories in the Derby, Eclipse, and Juddmonte International. Now, as City of Troy prepares for a new challenge on the dirt, this Southwell workout offers both fans and the racing world a glimpse of what’s to come in his transatlantic journey.
A Rare Spectacle for Southwell
John Holliday, Clerk of the Course at Southwell, can hardly contain his excitement over the event. “There’s a real sense of excitement; it’s become almost like a race day,” Holliday said. What began as a low-key workout has transformed into a public affair, drawing far more spectators than initially expected. “We thought only a couple hundred people would be here, but it’s really taken off. Now, we’re expecting over 1,500, and maybe more.”
Bars will be open, and the track has set up big screens to broadcast off-course races throughout the afternoon, adding to the race-day-like atmosphere. Holliday added, “It’s great because it gives us a connection to City of Troy. We’re excited to say we’ve played a small part in his career.”
The American stalls will also be brought in specifically for this event, with some key figures from City of Troy’s team staying on-site. The gallop, while a practical step in his preparation for the Breeders’ Cup, has also morphed into a cultural moment for racing enthusiasts across Nottinghamshire and beyond.
That got very bumpy! New Century wins a dramatic Grade 1 Summer Stakes at Woodbine as Al Qudra runs into trouble late on…@oismurphy @AndrewBalding2 @Qatar_Racing pic.twitter.com/hqB30rSlJW
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 14, 2024
A Star-Studded Career Ready for the Dirt
Out of the Group-winning mare Together Forever and sired by American Triple Crown winner Justify, City of Troy was bred for greatness. His impeccable bloodline combines the stamina, speed, and temperament that have seen him rise through the ranks with a string of high-profile victories. His journey has been one of overcoming challenges and soaring to new heights, with only a single blemish in the 2000 Guineas failing to derail his spectacular 2023 campaign.
O’Brien has been effusive about City of Troy’s capabilities, citing the colt’s versatility and consistency as key elements to his dominance. With victories in some of the most demanding turf races of the season, the Breeders’ Cup Classic presents a new and potentially defining chapter in this young champion’s career. His upcoming challenge on dirt adds another layer of complexity, but few doubt his ability to rise to the occasion.
Global Anticipation Builds
The workout at Southwell serves a dual purpose, offering both a practical preparation for City of Troy’s dirt debut and an emotional connection for his fans. Racing enthusiasts from across the country are descending upon the Nottinghamshire course, eager to catch a glimpse of a horse that could become a global racing legend.
David Redvers of Qatar Racing echoed this sentiment, describing City of Troy as “the highest-rated turf two-year-old in North America and right at the top of the list here in Europe.” The expectations for his performance at the Breeders’ Cup are enormous, with Redvers adding, “We’d all have to be very hopeful that he’ll be the one they’ll have to beat.”
While his owners and fans are focused on the immediate goal of victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, there is also a broader ambition in play. Many within the racing community are already looking ahead to a potential tilt at Classic honors next spring, where City of Troy could follow in the illustrious footsteps of his sire, Justify.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Of course, the road to the Breeders’ Cup has not been without its hurdles. Travel issues have delayed City of Troy’s return to the UK from his recent win at Woodbine in Canada, where he secured his place in the Breeders’ Cup with an authoritative victory. Currently housed at Churchill Downs while awaiting a flight back to Europe, the colt has taken the disruption in stride, proving yet again his resilience and professionalism.
Redvers acknowledged the difficulties but remained optimistic, stating, “He’s such a professional horse with such an outstanding temperament that he seems to be taking it in his stride.” The Southwell gallop will be the final domestic step in his preparation for the biggest race of his career, and fans across the globe will be watching.
City of Troy’s gallop at Southwell is more than just a training session; it’s a prelude to what could be a defining moment in modern racing. As he readies himself for Del Mar, the eyes of the racing world are fixed on this phenomenal horse, with all signs pointing to another triumph.
