Starspangledbanner broke the Aussie hoodoo in the Group 1 July Cup (1207m) on Saturday, the three-year-old Choisir colt outclassing his rivals to win the English sprint feature at Newmarket.
Proving himself as the world’s best sprinter, Starspangledbanner became the first Australian galloper and the 11th horse in history to claim the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes-July Cup double. His sire Choisir claimed victory in the Golden Jubilee Stakes in 2003 but failed to make history when he ran second in the July Cup.
In the 2010 July Cup Starspangledbanner put in a brilliant effort, the $3 favourite coming from behind to claim victory a neck ahead of King’s Stand winner Equiano, with Alverta ($67) a further three-quarters of a length back in third.
The other Australian runner in the July Cup was the David Hayes-trained Nicconi who finished a well beaten 10th.
Coolmore Stud paid $10.25 million for Starspangledbanner back in March, the colt now worth over $30 million following Saturday’s victory.
Premier English mentor Aiden O’Brien will retain training rights to the champion as he prepares to take on the US in the Breeders Cup this November, as connections opt for more international glory before he heads to stud in Australia.
Already over 150 mares have been booked to be serviced by him this season at a fee of $33,000, but having now won multiple Group 1 races in dual hemispheres his new fee will jump to a minimum of $100,000 next year.
Starspangledbanner has now won seven of his 15 career starts for over $2.12 million in prizemoney, including his Australia victories in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) and Group 1 Oakleig Plate (1100m). |
