Doyle wins first Group 1 on speedy Cityscape
Report: UAE, Saturday
Meydan: Dubai Duty Free (Group 1) 1m1f, 3yo+
JAMES DOYLE punched the air in celebration as he crossed the line well clear of his rivals on Cityscape to post a first Group 1 of his career.
The Roger Charlton-trained six-year-old came home in splendid isolation to gain a well-deserved first win at the highest level after a series of solid efforts in defeat last year.
Doyle, who has enjoyed a successful spell in Dubai over the winter, only came in for the ride after regular rider Steve Drowne was prevented from riding for at least a month after suffering from dizzy spells earlier in the week.
Cityscape was sat on the heels of Await The Dawn, who set off in front under Joseph O'Brien, and when that one dropped back through the pack turning for home Doyle chose his moment to bravely kick for home from a long way out.
That move by the underrated rider paid off perfectly as he left his rivalswith far too much to do, coming home in a course-record time. Mutahadee stuck on for a never-closer four-and-a-quarter-length second with City Style third.
A clearly elated Doyle said: "It's his first time over a furlong further but he's got a turn of foot and he stays well so I'm not surprised. It's without doubt the biggest day of my life."
Roger Charlton: trains Cityscape
PICTURE: Mark CranhamCharlton added: "The horse has been really consistent and has been training really well.
"He had a good preparation at home and he's come out here and not lost any weight.
"I thought it was the most competitive race on the card and I didn't think he'd break the track record and win by four and a quarter lengths.
"Juddmonte Farm have a lot of good horses and although he could go for the Lockinge, they have Frankel for that race.
"There's the possibility of Hong Kong, Singapore or he could stay at home."
Wigmore Hall, third in the race last year, finished fourth with last year's winner Presvis never able to get competitive after fluffing the start.
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