Friday 10th July 2009
She’s so ‘Spirit’-ed!
Fleeting Spirit wins the Darley July Cup under jockey Tom Queally. Picture: Chris Bourchier
FLEETING Spirit gave a blistering display to land a thrilling renewal of the Darley July Cup.
The Invincible Spirit filly tore up the track with an exhilarating turn of foot, turning the tables on King’s Stand conqueror Scenic Blast.
In fact, it wasn’t the Australian raider - 10th eventually - who proved her main rival in the third leg of the Global Sprint Challenge.
Instead, Main Aim emerged as the chief danger to Fleeting Spirit who hit the front approaching the furlong marker.
But inside the final furlong the Jeremy Noseda-trained filly swerved right to interfere with both Main Aim and King’s Apostle.
She’s gone on again to pass the line with a length and a quarter to spare but connections had to endure a stewards’ enquiry before the 12/1 victory was confirmed.
Winning jockey Tom Queally - who, just as he had at Royal Ascot in the Golden Jubilee Stakes - came in for a spare ride admitted that there had been a ‘few anxious moments.’ But it was a case of all’s well that ends well for the jubilant Noseda team.
The trainer said: “She is back to her very best and that’s the best she has ever run in her life. She is a very tough and talented filly.”
