In the 18th century a small, grey colt
captured the imagination of thoroughbred horse racing. Ironically
sired by a stallion named Cripple, such was the success of Gimcrack
that he has been immortalised in a number of paintings by the
renowned British artist George Stubbs.
An example of his work can be seen
here: On the Newmarket Heath with trainer, jockey & stable lad,
1765.
Despite his small stature, he won 27 of
his 36 races on the Turf for owner Richard Grosvenor, 1st Earl
Grosvenor. In 1771 Gimcrack won his last race at the age of eleven,
then retired to stud.
Although never racing at York, his
legacy heralds a two-year-old race of class.
The Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) has seen
a number of exceptional horses - equine stars which not only hold
their place admirably in horse racing history but in the memories of
a racing generation.
Only talented juveniles win this black
type contest.
Racing over a distance of six furlongs,
the Gimcrack is staged on the final day of the four-day Ebor
Festival.
Established in 1846 a horse called
Ellerdale won its inauguration. Originally open to both genders until
1987 it's now specific to colts & geldings.
Historically, the leading trainer of
this race with seven wins is William L'Anson, Jr. The leading jockey
with nine wins is John Osborne, Jr: Most of these feats were achieved
in the 19th century. However, in the last thirty-five years Richard
Hannon Snr has won this contest four times with Sharp 'N' Early
(1988), Rock City (1989), River Falls (1991) & Bannister (2000).
The most noted winners include: Turtle
Island (1993) who went on to win the Irish 2000 Guineas by fifteen
lengths. Rock Of Gibraltar won in 2001. He was named European Horse
of the Year 2002. In addition, he set a world record of seven
consecutive Grade/Group 1 wins including the English & Irish 2000
Guineas. His second place to Domedriver in the 2002 Breeders' Cup
Mile illustrated a horse of exceptional talent.
In 2009, John Gosden's Showcasing
recorded the fastest time of 1:09:28 when securing a two-length
victory.
Last year saw Charles Hills' Muhaarar
win by a nose from Mark Johnston's Jungle Cat. The former
went on to win the Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) at Royal Ascot 2015.
What do we make of this year's contest.
At the first entry stage we see no less than 75 entrants. The day of
this esteemed race will see a field of a dozen or less two-year-olds
along with a tight
market from leading stables. Just nine two-year-old make the race today. A fascinating contest with win prize money of £124, 762.
Mark Johnston's *Buratino [pictured]. This chestnut
son of Exceed And Excell has raced seven times, winning three, and
transformed since stepping up to six furlongs, illustrated by an
impressive Woodcote Stakes Listed victory, then a pulsating success
in the Coventry Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot. On his last race he contested the Phoenix Stakes (Group 1) at the Curragh, Ireland, where he finished a gallant third. With an official rating of 113 he sets the standard on pure ability. He will be favourite
and take all the beating although carrying a 3lb penalty.
Johnston also fields Ode To Evening who has his work cut out at this higher level and second string.
Interesting to see Finnegan represents Wesley Ward and owners Tabor, Magnier et al. His American handler has a good measure with class two-year-old Acapulco who won with ease in the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot. This chestnut son of Unbridled's Song is yet to race in the UK, with two starts in the USA at Keeneland and Pimlico respectively. A horse from a very good family and one to be feared although a marked step up in class to defy the war horse, Buratino.
Johnston also fields Ode To Evening who has his work cut out at this higher level and second string.
Interesting to see Finnegan represents Wesley Ward and owners Tabor, Magnier et al. His American handler has a good measure with class two-year-old Acapulco who won with ease in the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot. This chestnut son of Unbridled's Song is yet to race in the UK, with two starts in the USA at Keeneland and Pimlico respectively. A horse from a very good family and one to be feared although a marked step up in class to defy the war horse, Buratino.
King Of Rooks, trained by Richard Hannon, Jnr, heads to York after
gallant, but slightly disappointing, performances in the Norfolk
Stakes (Group 2).
It's interesting to note the lack of
entries for Godolphin with only two juveniles for Saeed Bin Suroor.
Steady Pace ran well when third in the Windsor Castle Stakes Listed,
while Strong Challenge showed promise when winning a Goodwood maiden
in style. *It should be noted that Buratino run
in the silks of Godolphin for their respective trainers. He has been a consistent horse placed in the both the July Stakes (Group 2) & Richmond Stakes (Group 2) behind the talented Shalaa, trained by John Gosden, who doesn't contest this race.
Kevin Ryan has a good record in this
race with past winners including Amadeus Wolf (2005), Blaine (2012) &
Astaire (2013). Hambleton Stables have five entrants including two
debutantes earmarked for this lofty target. However, Areen, who
suffered a narrow defeat in the Windsor Castle Stakes Listed, is
likely to prove the greatest hope. He has since been beaten by Steady Pace in the July Stakes (Group 2) but ran well when third at Maison-Laffitte, France, in the Prix Robert Papin (Group 2).
William Haggas has been in superb form of late and his two-year-olds especially so. Ajaya has been highly contested and ran a sterling race when a narrow loser, runner-up, in the Robert Papin. The stable is represented by the unbeaten Raucous who is owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing (Melbourne). This is marked rise in company.
Richard Fahey is represented by Ribchester, racing in the familiar red and white silks of David Armstrong. This son of Iffraaj ran well on debut at Doncaster and clearly held in some regard. From a maiden to a Group 2 contest is a challenge.
William Haggas has been in superb form of late and his two-year-olds especially so. Ajaya has been highly contested and ran a sterling race when a narrow loser, runner-up, in the Robert Papin. The stable is represented by the unbeaten Raucous who is owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing (Melbourne). This is marked rise in company.
Richard Fahey is represented by Ribchester, racing in the familiar red and white silks of David Armstrong. This son of Iffraaj ran well on debut at Doncaster and clearly held in some regard. From a maiden to a Group 2 contest is a challenge.
In conclusion, from a substantial field
of entrants just nine make the day. This race has a reputation for decent winners and a number of these have been tested at this grade. Buratino is a tough, talented horse. A Group 2 winner and placed at Group 1 it will take a good horse to beat him. Definitely a good each way bet if drifting in the betting.
A fascinating race.
*NR
*NR