Illustrious Blue (left) sweeps past Electrolyser to land the Goodwood Cup

  PICTURE: Getty Images  

Aquarius injured as Illustrious lands Cup

Report: Glorious Goodwood, Thursday

Artemis Goodwood Cup (Group 2) 2m, 3yo+

ILLUSTRIOUS BLUE claimed his seventh, and biggest, course success when running down Electrolyser to take the Artemis Goodwood Cup under a delighted Jim Crowley.

However, the race was marred by an injury to odds-on favourite Age Of Aquarius, who broke downwhen leading with half a mile to run.

Jockey Johnny Murtagh was positive from the start on the Aidan O'Brien-trained Age Of Aquarius, sending him straight to the lead.

The pair bowled along at a strong pace with Electrolyser and Caracciola tracking while the well fancied Tactic raced towards the rear.

As the runners swung round the final bend and headed for home it was still the favourite who led but disaster struck soon after as he broke down and was quickly eased and dismounted by Murtagh. The horse was soon loaded into the horse ambulance and taken to a veterinary unit in Arundel.

It was subsequently revealed that Age Of Aquarius had damaged ligaments below his off-fore (front right) fetlock and that he was returning home with his leg supported by a splint.

O'Brien said: "He appears to have quite a lot of ligament damage to one of his forelegs.

"The vets did a very good job with him and have put a cast on it and he's on his way home. We should know more in a few days."

Electrolyser became the default leader and was not going to waste his opportunity, kicking well clear for jockey Philip Robinson.

William Knight: "He's shown he's one of the best stayers around"

  PICTURE: Mark Cranham  

But Illustrious Blue was cruising in the pack and with two furlongs to run Jim Crowley unleashed the William Knight-trained seven-year-old and he started to eat up the ground.

The two horses were side by side inside the final furlong but Illustrious Blue would not be denied and he asserted close to the line to win by a length and a quarter.

Knight, who trains the winner for owners  Ian and Pam Bendelow, said: "He's shown he's one of the best stayers around at the moment.

"I hope [Age Of Aquarius] is okay but without being arrogant I think he was going to win four or five furlongs out."

The trainer added: "This is our local track and that's his third win at [Glorious] Goodwood. There are races like the Lonsdale and Doncaster Cups, and Melbourne, to consider when we get home."

Purple Moon ran on to take third while 13-year-old Caracciola wasretired after beating only the disappointing Tactic home.