Classy King George for Adayar

The Derby-winning son of Frankel became the first horse since Galileo to win the King George following the Derby.

Taken from the Thoroughbred Daily News, 25th July 2021:

Placed prominently and racing freely early for William Buick as the slow-starting Broome was gradually cajoled to the front, Adayar, the 9-4 second favourite was committed at the top of the straight before being joined by Mishriff soon after. Their tussle was pulsating but brief, as the Godolphin hulk asserted his dominance on the rain-starved surface for a decisive one and three-quarter length success, with the 13-8 favourite Love the same margin away in third.

"He was a great Derby winner and these horses don't come around very often - he just gives you the feeling of endless power," Buick said. "This is what I dreamt of from when I was a young boy and it's a privilege to be able to ride these horses. Charlie and Sheikh Mohammed were adamant that the ground wasn't an issue for him and good horses can adapt. It was a very simple race to ride once he'd dropped his head and when I picked him up he was instant and then relentless to the line."

Trainer Charlie Appleby commented: "We are delighted for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, everyone at Moulton Paddocks and team Godolphin," he said in typically humble fashion. "I didn't expect to be out of the first three going into to the race, because of the three-year-old weight allowance and I also felt that Adayar was a very good horse. Adayar has defied history by becoming the first horse since Galileo to win the Derby and this race and it's fitting that his grandson has managed the feat."

"I would imagine that we will work backwards from the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with him now. As things stand at this moment, I would say that Hurricane Lane would more likely go down the St Leger/Arc route and Adayar will potentially go for the Prix Niel before the Arc itself," he added.