Marchand D'Or strikes gold in Darley July Cup
Friday 11th July, 2008
Winning Connections of Marchand D'or. Picture by Steve Cargill.
MARCHAND D’OR got up in the shadow of the post to win the Darley July Cup in a thrilling renewal of the Group One summer showpiece.
Held up last by jockey David Bonilla as War Artist took them along, it looked as though the French raider had too much to do approaching the dip.
However, Bonilla kept his nerve and brought the grey with a sustained and relentless charge down the unflavoured stand’s rail to grab glory.
The victory margin was a head for the 5-2 favourite with Aidan O’Brien just missing out on another Group One with US Ranger in second. The valiant War Artist was third.
Trainer Freddie Head had won this race as a jockey and was elated with the victory for his multiple group winner.
“I am delighted,” exclaimed Head. “To win it as a jockey and a trainer, I cannot ask for more.”
He added: “I thought he was fourth and when I heard the result I was very happy.”
The trainer’s aiming for repeat bid at the Group One Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville next before a chance at “revenge” in the Sprint Cup at Haydock.
By Peter Scargill