William Buick lauds Pinatubo as the 'complete racehorse' after Dewhurst success

William Buick hailed Pinatubo as a "jockey's dream" after he toughed it out on testing ground to remain unbeaten in the Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes.

While his nine-length National Stakes victory was a walk in the park, this was a war of attrition, and his jockey was impressed by Pinatubo's ability to slug it out with relentless runner-up Arizona.

"He's a joy to ride and a jockey's dream," said Buick. "It was a different test to what he's used to and he had to be brilliant in a different way – only a good horse can adapt like that.

"It was his best performance as he had to show different qualities. The race was run at a good pace so it was a stamina test but he overcame everything that was thrown at him."

The jockey added: “He's the complete racehorse as he's dealt with everything well when there was quite a few unknowns. He should hopefully come back for the Guineas and a mile should be no problem."

Pinatubo and William Buick win the Darley Dewhurst StakesCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Seamie Heffernan, who rode Arizona, joined Buick in praising Pinatubo and is looking forward to a rematch next season.

"Time is going to help Arizona hopefully get closer if they clash in the 2,000 Guineas, that's the first impression," the jockey said.

"The winner is a fair tool. We could lose one if Enable retires so hopefully the public will follow this lad as racing needs champions."

After emulating his sire Shamardal by landing the Dewhurst, Pinatubo was available at a general 11-10 for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas.

Godolphin have had an embarrassment of riches in the juvenile department this season and Pinatubo is joined by the Andre Fabre-trained Earthlight and Victor Ludorum in the Classic ranks.

"It's been an incredible season for sons of Shamardal," said Sam Bullard, director of stallions for breeders Darley.

"Any champion two-year-old is exciting. Whoever you are and support, he's as good a two-year-old as we've seen for a long time. They said he might be the best juvenile to go down the Curragh."

On comparisons to Frankel, Bullard added: "Pinatubo's rating was a lot higher than Frankel's going into the race so it's a fair comparison on two-year-old form. The honours need to go on next year but he's very exciting."

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