'It just shows that you don't need to spend millions of pounds to win Group 1s'

Jason Hart said the stunning rise of Breeders' Cup-bound Highfield Princess proves "you don't need to spend millions" to gain top-level success.

Victory in the Group 1 Flying Five was the third in 36 days at the highest level for the five-year-old.

It has been a rags-to-riches story for Highfield Princess, a homebred who won her first race off a mark of 58 in September 2020. Two years and 11 wins later, she is now rated 120.

Her three-and-a-quarter-length victory at the Curragh followed Group 1 wins in the Prix Maurice de Gheest and the Nunthorpe, and jockey Hart struggled to find superlatives to describe the mare.

"She's special, there's not really another word for it," he said. "It's a great story and one that can get anyone who isn't into racing engrossed.

"She's not one who cost a lot of money, she was a homebred of John Fairley. They gave her plenty of time and they've reaped the rewards. It just shows that you don't need to spend millions of pounds to go and win Group 1 contests."

Highfield Princess and Jason Hart (right) quicken away to land the Flying Five on SundayCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Although plans are yet to be confirmed, a tilt at the Breeders' Cup looks likely and Hart has faith that Highfield Princess can make an impact at Keeneland in November.

He said: "That's two 'win and you're in' races for her and I think it's the plan, I haven't spoken to the boss since yesterday but she'd definitely be a contender – she wouldn't be making up the numbers.

"It's totally speed biased but I'd like to think she's proved well worth her position in the field."

Hart has developed a strong relationship with Highfield Princess' trainer John Quinn in recent years and credits him with taking his career to a higher level.

"John Quinn has been massive to my career, I wouldn't have Highfield Princess if I wasn't riding for him," he said. "I'm extremely grateful to the boss and John Fairley for trusting me to ride their horse."

Hart posted his first century of winners in a career-best 2021 campaign and although he hopes for a similar record in 2022, this year's goal was quality over quantity.

"I'd say I'm still on course to get the 100 again, that was the main aim last year," he said.

"I'd gone close in a few Group 1s in recent years and I think this time it was more about trying to get that Group 1 winner. You never know when it's going to happen but luckily Highfield Princess came along and the rest is history.

"It's all about your next ride, you can't look back too much in this game, it's all about looking forward. You can't take anything for granted, you have to keep working."

Read more:

Quinn hails 'phenomenal' Highfield Princess after landing unique Group 1 treble

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