Henrythenavigator edges New Approach in Guineas thriller
Saturday 3rd May, 2008
Henrythenavigator. Picture by Steve Cargill
JOHNNY MURTAGH gave a vintage performance to boot home Henrythenavigator in a stunning 200th renewal of the stanjamesuk.com 2000 Guineas.
Almost forgotten after failing to build on last year’s Coventry Stakes success, Murtagh ensured the son of Kingmambo was back in the limelight as he edged out New Approach in a thriller.
Murtagh dropped his mount in and was content to eye up the front-running New Approach from mid-division.
As the closing stages unfolded, Henrythenavigator quickened to throw it down to the favourite and looked to be on course for a fair and square triumph.
But New Approach dug deep and in a bobbing finish, it was the 11/1 shot who became to first horse win a 2000 Guineas by a nose, giving trainer Aidan O’Brien a fifth winner in the Classic.
O’Brien said : “Johnny gave him a masterful ride. He played the horse to his strengths and I’m delighted.”
Murtagh, in his first season as retained rider to O’Brien’s stable, said: “It’s a great start to a great job. I’m a very lucky jockey.”
Stubbs Art, an unconsidered 100/1 shot, ran into the frame, while Raven’s Pass took fourth spot.