Emotion edges out in-foal Rose Of Kildare in Chalice Stakes for Qatar Racing 1-2

Saturday: Newmarket

Emotion spoiled a possible victorious send off for mother-to-be Rose Of Kildare after a thrilling tussle for the Chalice Stakes.

The two fillies, both owned by Qatar Racing, were locked in battle for much of the final furlong of the 1m4f Listed contest and it was the John and Thady Gosden-trained Emotion who took the prize by a length under Andrea Atzeni.

“It was a very exciting race and both horses have done really well,” said Qatar Racing manager David Redvers. "Emotion is a big filly and developing well. She will probably do well over a longer trip.

“The Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster is a possible for her but her main target is the Fillies and Mares race at the Qipco Ascot Festival which we sponsor.”

Rose Of Kildare, a three-time Group 3 winner for Mark and Charlie Johnston, is in-foal to 2020 2,000 Guineas winner Kameko and is set to retire from racing.

“It’s possible she might have one more race – in the Upavon Stakes (at Salisbury) - but we don’t want to squeeze too much out of her and it’s more likely that this was her last race,” said Redvers.

Doubles all round

The Gosdens have another exciting filly on their hands in Commissioning who took the 7f novice stakes under Frankie Dettori to complete a double for the father and son training partnership.

Bookmakers were sufficiently impressed to quote the daughter of Kingman at 20-1 for next year’s Qipco 1,000 Guineas.

Dettori completed a double of his own when guiding Love De Vega to a winning handicap debut for the Johnstons, offering some compensation for Rose Of Kildare's near miss.

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