PartialLogo
Reports

Without Parole suffers first defeat after being forced to make running

Without Parole (far left) beginning to fall away as rivals overwhelm him
Without Parole (far left) beginning to fall away as rivals overwhelm himCredit: Edward Whitaker

A slowly run, tactical Sussex Stakes was blamed for the defeat of Without Parole, who lost his unbeaten record after being forced to make the running in a race that was "horrible to ride".

The 7-4 favourite, winner of the St James's Palace Stakes, broke best to find himself in front and, with no-one else keen to dictate, Andrea Atzeni had little option but to lead.

By the time they approached the furlong pole, rivals were stacking up to challenge and, after briefly resisting, Without Parole was relegated to the also-rans, coming in seventh of eight.

Atzeni said: "He probably could have done with a target and ended up making the running, which I didn't really want to do. We had no choice really. He travelled fine. When they came he tried to go with them and it lasted a yard. The race didn't suit really."

Trainer John Gosden said: "A slow tactical race is not his scene. He needs a strongly run mile and that was a bit of a dash. It's not his way to run, otherwise he's fine."

Without Parole was not the only horse to be hindered by the pace, with James Doyle, who rode Expert Eye into second, describing it as "a horrible race to ride".

He said: "We went no pace. I was doing a little bit too much on the outside with no cover."

Expert Eye had been supplemented for £70,000 but the Jersey Stakes winner earned £225,000 by claiming second, proving a mile is no issue.

Trainer Sir Michael Stoute said: "My fella just wanted a little more cover and to settle better, but he's run a blinder."

Owner Khalid Abdullah's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe added: "We're going to have a lot worse days than finish second in a Group 1. He's run a really solid race and behaved really well. Fast ground would have suited him better. It's a step we can build on."

Lord Glitters ran another excellent race to clinch third and trainer David O'Meara said: "It was one of those messy races. He was a touch unlucky but he's a fantastic horse and I think if things drop right he'll win one of these."


Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com


Published on 1 August 2018inReports

Last updated 15:46, 3 August 2018

iconCopy