He was able to win three Del Mar for Godolphin winners, but he’s already planning ahead
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Oisin Murphy is thrown from horse!
After ending his career as a journalist, Charlie Appleby has now set his sights on 2022. “magical year”In “surreal” fashion at the Breeders’ Cup.
Appleby concluded the self-styled World Championships with three winners – the trio were partnered by William Buick – as Modern Games (Juvenile Turf), Space Blues (Mile) and Yibir (Turf) triumphed for Godolphin.
Modern Games was pulled at Del Mar by the vets. Master Of The Seas was later allowed to compete only for prize money.
“It was a surreal weekend to end a magical year,”Appleby was a witness. “I was walking to the car after Modern Games was pulled out and then decided to watch the race before he was allowed to run.
“I knew this would be Space Blues’ last run and he’s been a Trojan for us, while Yibir was so keen during the early stages of the Turf that I thought he wouldn’t be able to do what he did against that calibre of opposition. Even William was shaking his head afterwards.”
Appleby will be crowned champion trainer for the first time in 2021 thanks in part to the exploits of Cazoo Derby hero Adayar, Irish Derby and St Leger victor Hurricane Lane and Native Trail, who capped an unbeaten juvenile campaign with triumphs in the Group 1 National Stakes at the Curragh and Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.“
Adayar and Hurricane Lane will stay in training next year and, with Native Trail – we hope he will be crowned champion two-year-old, we’ve got lots to look forward to next year,” added Appleby.In the Breeders’ Cup Classic that rounded off the two-day meeting, Knicks Go made all the running under Joel Rosario to give Brad Cox his first success in the race.
Medina Spirit, controversially the winner of the Kentucky Derby was second with Essential Quality back in third.
