Jockey has a great book of rides in Ireland.
Tom Marquand Gears Up for a Stellar Day in Ireland, Backing Maljoom's Return to Form
As Tom Marquand readies himself for a massive day of racing at Leopardstown on Saturday, all eyes are on his mount, Maljoom, who returns to the mile for the Tonybet Solonaway Stakes. The 26-year-old jockey has high hopes for his book of rides at the Dublin track, which includes two major contests: the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes and the Coolmore America 'Justify' Matron Stakes. Yet, it is the William Haggas-trained Maljoom that stands as one of the day’s most intriguing stories, aiming to bounce back after a disappointing run in the Juddmonte International at York.
A Day of High Stakes for Marquand
Marquand, a jockey who’s been rising to the top with his skill and poise, is no stranger to high-pressure rides. This weekend, he takes the reins on Economics, a big-race favorite for the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, and will also reunite with Royal Ascot winner Porta Fortuna in the Coolmore America 'Justify' Matron Stakes, trained by Donnacha O’Brien.
But the buzz around Maljoom is growing, especially after a performance that left questions hanging over his true potential. The five-year-old by Caravaggio has been a star in the making, but his recent outing saw him falter in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York. Marquand remains confident, stating, "He's a real solid horse but he just struggled to settle at York. He had the blinkers on and was up in trip, and it’s the first time he's ever done it for whatever reason."
That hiccup at York didn’t overshadow Maljoom’s previous brilliance. His consistent record at a mile includes a runner-up spot in the Sussex Stakes and third in the Queen Anne Stakes. Both performances marked him as a horse capable of competing at the highest level. Now, Marquand is banking on a return to his favored mile distance to bring the best out of the gelding.
A Bid to Reclaim Glory
Marquand and Maljoom are no strangers to the big stage. Earlier in his career, the horse demonstrated his capabilities with some solid group-level performances. However, York’s step up in trip seemed to unsettle the usually calm and composed Maljoom. The blinkers, which were supposed to sharpen his focus, instead caused him to become overly keen, ultimately spoiling his chances.
But the jockey remains unfazed. “If you take that run out of the equation, he was second in a Sussex, third in a Queen Anne, and is a very talented horse,” Marquand asserted. That talent has been evident throughout Maljoom’s career, and Leopardstown could be the stage for his resurgence.
The Challenge Ahead
The Tonybet Solonaway Stakes won’t be a walk in the park, but Marquand believes the gelding is more than capable of handling the Group Two competition. With the field likely to be strong, the focus shifts to whether Maljoom can keep his cool and return to his best form. The decision to step back in distance from York’s mile-and-a-quarter race seems to be a calculated move, and Marquand thinks it could make all the difference.
"He's coming back a peg in grade, and if the ground is fast, he should go really well," said Marquand. A drier track could indeed play into Maljoom’s hands, especially given his preference for a quick surface. The team will be hoping for favorable conditions, as they look to get him back on track after York.
Eyes on the Future
While Leopardstown will offer an immediate test, the long-term future for Maljoom is equally exciting. With his undeniable talent, there’s hope he can return to competing in top-tier events. A strong performance in Ireland could propel him back into the mix for bigger contests later in the year, reminding the racing world of his potential to win at the highest levels.
Marquand is acutely aware of the stakes. “This is a very talented horse,” he emphasized, and the pressure to deliver in Ireland is undeniable. With his future hanging in the balance, all will be revealed come Saturday, when Maljoom takes to the track at Leopardstown, eager to remind everyone of the talent that has always been there.
As Marquand sets off on what could be a career-defining day, he knows the weight of expectations rests heavily on his shoulders. The world will be watching, not just for Economics and Porta Fortuna, but for a potential comeback story that has all the ingredients of a racing fairytale.
