City Of Troy Racecourse Gallop, 20th September 2024.

A special occasion would take place on the grounds of Southwell racecourse as Europe's leading trainer Aidan O'Brien arranged a not-to-be missed racecourse gallop for his superstar colt City Of Troy, held in front of an enthusiastic crowd of racing fans.

The event was not just a parade of the brilliant three year old, it would be a vital test of his credentials ahead of an attempt at the Breeders Cup Classic at Del Mar, California in November. One of America's biggest races of the year is held on dirt, a surface which isn't used in Britain. The likeness of Southwell to the American track is seen as a close comparison and O'Brien has used the Nottinghamshire venue in the past for previous attempts at the world class race.

Back in 2000, Aidan O'Brien first conjured up the idea of using Southwell as a testing ground with the "Iron Horse", Giant's Causeway. During that season, Giant's Causeway had won five Group Ones in a row and arrived at Southwell on the back of a close second in the QEII Stakes at Ascot. Following his spin around the course, he suffered heartbreak with a neck defeat in the Breeder's Cup to fellow outstanding horse Tiznow. Twelve months later, the Ballydoyle team were back once again with another legendary horse, Galileo. The dual Derby winner and King George victor could only manage sixth in the States.

This season, a star name in Europe under the tutelage of O'Brien has helped to reignite those dreams of winning "The Big One". Three year old colt City Of Troy has carried all before him in the middle distance category this year and his pedigree offers the best chance O'Brien has ever had going into the Classic. 

Most significantly, City Of Troy is a son of leading American sire Justify, the latest Triple Crown winner in his home country which consists of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes; all raced on dirt. Last year, City Of Troy showed talent very rarely seen by a two-year-old with an unbeaten three race streak by wide margins. With much expectation for this year, City Of Troy was given a god like status approaching the 2000 Guineas in May, the first English Classic of the year. The hype and anticipation would fizzle out as he returned a well beaten ninth, but that would only be the start of his season. Four weeks later at the rollercoaster track known as Epsom, racegoers saw the City Of Troy of last year as he galloped remorselessly further clear to win the Epsom Derby . He would then follow the footsteps of Sea The Stars and Golden Horn by knuckling down to win a soft ground Eclipse Stakes on ground which was far from ideal. His latest assignment would be his biggest to date. Facing a stellar lineup of rivals at York for the Juddmonte International, City Of Troy made every yard of the running and bravely found extra close home to pull away at the finish. 

This exercise was never going to be just a stroll in the Sherwood Forest region, Aidan O'Brien's team provided everything they possessed to recreate the conditions he will face at Del Mar in the Breeders Cup Classic. A specialised set of starting gates, equipped with a bell just like in America, sprinting stablemates to provide a rapid end to end gallop for City Of Troy and of course, his regular jockey Ryan Moore in the saddle to relay back vital analysis from on top.

This great initiative was made into a ticketed free event for the general public and racing fans had the chance to get a potential last look at the horse of the season ahead of his potential swansong and attempt at history.  

The Gallop

As a crowd just short of 1000 spectators descended upon Southwell racecourse, one of the most important people almost didn't make it. Traffic issues on the roads leading into the racecourse almost ruined trainer Aidan O'Brien's plans, but the VIP arrived on scene just fifteen minutes before the intended gallop. A rushed briefing to his work riders would take place and once all the jockeys had been legged up, millions of pound's worth of equine talent strode out onto the Southwell sand. 
The supporting cast of four horses had been assembled by Aidan O'Brien with the purpose of going as fast as they could in the opening five furlongs, mimicking the early pace expected in the Classic. The first of those would be the four year old Congo River, who possesses an American pedigree and won on the all-weather at Dundalk in 2022. Ridden by Brett Doyle, it was his first racecourse appearance in over a year. Next up would be Democracy, ridden by current second rider at Ballydoyle, Wayne Lordan. The three year old son of American sire No Nay Never who was highly tried last year after an impressive debut win. Master Of The Hunt would join in the party, ridden by Rachel Richardson who was once a very talented jockey in Britain. The three year old was a winner as recently as August, but was still rated well inferior to City Of Troy. The final pacesetter in the field would be Edwardian, ridden by Dean Gallagher. The third son of No Nay Never in the lineup won on his second start last year, but has been disappointing since then.

1) Congo River - Maroon and dark blue silks

2) Democracy - Blue with orange disk, orange sleeves with blue stripes. 

3) City Of Troy - Dark Blue.

4) Master Of The Hunt - Pink

5) Edwardian - Purple with white seams, purple sleeves with white stripes.

As the unique sound of the bell on top of the American-style stalls sounded, the quintet of Ballydoyle horses broke away. Within a few strides, Congo River was hustled into the early lead, ahead of Demoracy and Edwardian. In the opening stages, City Of Troy settled in last place under Ryan Moore, but the champion jockey never panicked and allowed his mount to find his feet down the back straight. As the field reached the home bend within a matter of seconds, City Of Troy began to ease through the order. Under a motionless Ryan Moore, the son of Justify breezed through his tiring stablemates despite having to come around the bend three horses wide. The rangy colt had left his running partners behind with the last of them being Master Of The Hunt. This year's outstanding three year old responded well to the pressure and galloped on strongly in the style many have become accustomed to this year. City Of Troy's giant stride came into full effect and propelled him further clear. Crossing the line some ten lengths clear, it was the outcome that was expected at the very least. The most important factor of the gallop was the way City Of Troy appeared comfortable on a surface he had never faced in race conditions. It was also a gallop set at a furious pace, another thing he wouldn't have experienced before. The debriefing between trainer and rider began, but O'Brien and Moore were also on hand to take selfies and sign autographs with the many attendees that surrounded the enclosures.

There will be more questions for City Of Troy to answer to before the ultimate test in the Breeders' Cup Classic. His early positioning in the gallop would be a worry in the actual race as he would face the kickback or have to travel wider than his rivals. There won't be a field of lowly rated stablemates in the race either, America's biggest and best stars will take on Europe's leading light in their own backyard. What has been confirmed though is his natural talent and impressive change of gears Over a trip which is considered nowadays as the bare minimum, City Of Troy was at his strongest passing the winning post. Aidan O'Brien has always held his horse in the highest regard, so maybe this year, the famous old race could finally go to the Ballydoyle stable. All roads now lead to California on November 2nd.

With big thanks to Southwell Racecourse for providing this rare spectacle for racing fans, free of charge. Also thanks to Aidan O'Brien and his army of staff for this insightful gallop.