'It's never easy to watch' - Buick brilliance as favourite Wise Approach overcomes dramatic start to claim Group 1

William Buick overcame early drama and had to almost go via Cambridge to get Wise Approach home and record a third success for Charlie Appleby in the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes.

A stumble after he clipped heels meant the 11-8 favourite had more to do than was originally planned, even though the intention was always to ride him cold, after he hit the front too soon in France on his previous start.

Off a strong pace set by eventual fourth Five Ways and Ballydoyle pacemaker First Approach, the winner was still last at the Bushes when Buick decided to go the circular route to deliver his challenge.

In a rousing finish to the roar of a crowd of more than 8,000, Buick forced his mount home by three-quarters of a length from Brussels and Coppull, who came close in the dying strides, prompting a stewards' inquiry that deemed any interference was accidental. 

The stewards also determined there was no riding offence shortly after the start when The Publican's Son, ridden by Oisin Murphy, ducked left-handed, resulting in Wise Approach "clipping heels, stumbling and losing ground".

It all meant Appleby was a relieved man afterwards. He said: "The plan was for him to miss the break, but we didn't reckon on the stumble. We wanted to drop him in as I felt William gave him a great ride in the Prix Morny last time. He showed his electric turn of foot but he just pulled up in front. 

"I did say to William to put him in front on the line today, but it's never easy to watch when he went past like that. I'm delighted for the horse, for William and to have a Group 1 juvenile winner."

Wise Approach was treading a well-trodden path from the Prix Morny to success in the Group 1 Middle Park, emulating the likes of Earthlight (2019), Perfect Power (2021), Blackbeard (2022) and Vandeek (2023).

He cost 1,000,000gns as a yearling, and his trainer added: "We're still learning about him. He's getting stronger and here we are today. He's a bit more chiselled than the likes of Shadow Of Light, who won this for us last year, and I would say that that will be it for this year."

Aidan O’Brien, the trainer of runner-up Brussels, said: “We were very happy. He's a big, strong, fast horse and we were delighted with that run. He did look good on his first start, but he has been a bit babyish. I think it will come, but he's very big.

"I think all the experience he's getting this year will stand him in good stead for next year. He's not short of speed. I’d imagine we'll leave him alone now. We'll probably have a look at a Classic with him and see how it goes.”

Clive Cox also believes Coppull, who finished third, could be a "top prospect" for next season. The trainer said: "We're happy as he's backed up his Richmond win at Goodwood. We're over the moon to be honest and he could have been second in another few strides. That will be it for the year."

How the incident unfolded

Wise Approach leaves the stalls in the Middle ParkCredit: Racing TV

The Publican's Son (blue and white silks) ducks left and Wise Approach becomes short of roomCredit: Racing TV

Wise Approach clips heels with The Publican's Son, stumbles and William Buick is shot upright in the saddleCredit: Racing TV

Buick maintains the partnership before steering Wise Approach to a three-quarter-length successCredit: Racing TV

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