Bitter disappointment for Charlie Appleby and Notable Speech: 'He didn't hit the line like we thought he would'

There were some big-priced horses in the places behind 66-1 July Cup winner No Half Measures, but connections of favourite Notable Speech were left disappointed by his effort when fifth in the prestigious sprint.

Last season's 2,000 Guineas winner was supplemented for a first try at six furlongs and sent off the 85-40 market leader. However, he was not able to go through with his effort and finished two and a half lengths back after chasing the early pace up the stands' side rail set by Night Raider. 

He will now be aimed at the newly promoted Group 1 City of York Stakes at the Ebor meeting next month by trainer Charlie Appleby.

He said of Godolphin's star: "William was really disappointed, he didn't hit the line like we thought he would."

No July Cup for Charlie Appleby but top trainer still ended the three-day July festival with seven winnersCredit: Edward Whitaker

Already in foal to Frankel, Believing ran a brave race to be fourth on her final start before retirement, although Billy Loughnane rued his decision to come over to the rail, having been drawn in stall 11.

He told ITV Racing: "I would do it differently if I had another go."

Runner-up Big Mojo looked the most likely winner entering the final furlong, but was run out of it by No Half Measures late on. 

"We've tried him over six [furlongs] this year, we've been brave and today was always going to be a tough ask," said owner Paul Teasdale. "We're absolutely delighted, he's acquitted himself fantastically well. I'm really proud of him, I thought he'd just about got it, but not quite."

Big Mojo (near side) went down by a neckCredit: Edward Whitaker

Trainer Mick Appleby said a return to five furlongs would be on the cards for Big Mojo, and Teasdale added: "There's the King George Stakes at Goodwood, the Nunthorpe and the Flying Five. We're in all of them so we've got some options and we'll see where we are."

Henry Candy was also delighted with Run To Freedom who, at the age of seven, added a third-place in this race to his second behind Shaquille two years ago. 

Candy said: "He's an amazing horse. When he's absolutely on-song he's a really good horse and he loves a bit of an uphill finish. He's got some fantastic form in Group 1 races, it would be lovely if we could just nick one somewhere.

"He doesn't like firm ground but he's coping with it now he's older. Firm ground and the draw didn't help him greatly at Ascot but he still finished a neck behind Inisherin, so I don't think he really deserved to be that price. You can never write him off but you could never tip him."

Inisherin was withdrawn by the vet after appearing to half tear a shoe off at the start.

Read more: 

'Half a furlong out I couldn't believe where I was' - Neil Callan and Richard Hughes mastermind major July Cup shock with 66-1 No Half Measures 

Godolphin hot run continues as Saba Desert denies odds-on Italy in Superlative despite fly-jumping out of the gates 

William Buick 'probably' in line for Field Of Gold ride despite cheeky request from Frankie Dettori 

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