'He’s shown just how good he is' - Ruling Court gives Godolphin a third 2,000 Guineas in four years as Field Of Gold comes up short

A new season, a new Triple Crown bonus on the line, but in the end it was a familiar tale at Newmarket, where Charlie Appleby and William Buick combined for another triumph in the 2,000 Guineas, just as they did 12 months ago.

As with last year’s winner Notable Speech, Ruling Court emerged from left field to triumph on the Rowley Mile, with a winter procession in the Jumeirah 2000 Guineas in Dubai and subsequent standout performances on the gallops in Newmarket prompting Buick to side with him over stablemate Shadow Of Light – last year’s champion two-year-old, no less.

“It’s very special,” Buick said. “These races are what it’s about and it’s amazing to deal with these horses and to be able to ride them. He’s shown just how good he is.”

There was ample opportunity for him not to do so, but drawn wide and racing without cover, Ruling Court shrugged off such inconveniences and moved smoothly through the race.

With no concerns about the winner's stamina – a factor that had helped the decision to opt for him over Shadow Of Light – Buick pressed on heading into the Dip. It was a race-winning move, not only in that it allowed him to build the momentum to reel in Shadow Of Light but also enabled him to leave behind favourite Field Of Gold at a crucial point.

Ruling Court was scintillating in full cry with a stride and fluency which doubtless contributed to Sheikh Mohammed handing over €2.3 million for him at last year’s breeze-up sales in Deauville.

Shadow Of Light had committed early under Mickael Barzalona but there was an inevitability that Buick would sweep through to glory, just as there was that Field Of Gold's supporters would be left frustrated by a late charge that was never going to succeed.

The end result was another 2,000 Guineas victory for Appleby – his third in four years following the victories of Coroebus and Notable Speech – and another one that slipped through John Gosden’s fingers, 11 years on from Kingman’s second in the colts’ Classic.

“I can spend all day here thanking everybody involved with this but they know who they are and what they’ve done,” Appleby said. “It’s great for Sheikh Mohammed and for team Godolphin. Winning these races is the only way to repay a man that’s had the support and faith in me.

“It was a tough choice for Will to get off a champion two-year-old and the mile was the question mark with Shadow Of Light. We’ve thought through the winter that Ruling Court is a Derby horse, so we knew he’d stay and he’s really come on in his work recently.

“Mickael thought Shadow Of Light saw out the mile well and he’ll head for the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.”

William Buick returns on Ruling Court after their victory in the 2,000 GuineasCredit: Edward Whitaker

Epsom will be next for Ruling Court, with Paddy Power cutting him to 5-1 (from 10) for the Derby. Should the Downs be conquered, then a £2 million bonus will be up for grabs in the St Leger at Doncaster, with Betfred putting up a reward for a Triple Crown winner having backed all five Classics this year. He is a 12-1 chance to complete the set with Paddy Power.

“We definitely think he’s a Derby horse and if he wins that . . .” Appleby said when asked about a Triple Crown bid. “It’s good for the sport to have an incentive like this, so we’ll go for the Derby and then we’ll see where we are, but the Derby is a race we always saw him running in.”

Ruling Court's prospects of winning at Epsom and Doncaster will be enhanced by his mental fortitude and the rock-solid faith those associated with him have in his ability.

“He’s so uncomplicated,” Buick said. “We thought we’d just let him do his thing and he could get further as well. He's got a huge engine.”

Epsom, Royal Ascot, Doncaster and much else aside lies in wait for Godolphin, Appleby and Buick – and a chance at something very special should Ruling Court emulate Camelot, the last horse to attempt to win the Triple Crown, by adding the Derby to his 2,000 Guineas success.

“I love my job,” Buick added. “I work with great people and it's a pleasure. When you get results like this it's very, very special.”

William Buick riding Ruling Court (left) celebrates winning the 2,000 Guineas with Mickael Barzalona on Shadow Of LightCredit: Getty Images

How the race played out

Godolphin's apparent third string Tornado Alert had been keen on his debut last year and showed plenty of zest again on his reappearance, setting the pace under Silvestre de Sousa, flanked on the far side by Scorthy Champ and the near side by Seagulls Eleven.

The eventual first three were sitting comfortably on the heels of the first six, with Ruling Court on the near side.

William Buick closed on the leaders from three furlongs out on Ruling Court just as Mickael Barzalona conjured a fine burst of speed from Shadow Of Light that took him to the front on the far side of the pack. Field Of Gold appeared to travel smoothly for a long way but took a little while to hit top gear when he was asked for his effort.

Ruling Court continued to make relentless progress and reeled in Shadow Of Light well inside the final furlong, while Field Of Gold kept on strongly but could not get to the winner. 

The first and second both shaped as though they would be suited by further – they certainly appear to be stronger stayers than Shadow Of Light.

The first three came three and a half lengths clear of Tornado Alert, who did best of those up with the pace from the off.
David Carr

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