Godolphin in full bloom as Desert Flower wins 1000 Guineas
London, United Kingdom (AFP) — Trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey William Buick celebrated a Guineas double as Desert Flower won the English 1000 Guineas in impressive style at Newmarket on Sunday.
The even-money favourite — making it five wins in five starts — rounded off an exceptional weekend for owners Godolphin.
Aside from both Guineas — Ruling Court winning the 2000 on Saturday — they also swept the Kentucky Oaks and the “Run for the Roses”, the Kentucky Derby.
Appleby and Buick are the first trainer/jockey combination to achieve the Guineas double since Aidan O’Brien and Kieren Fallon in 2005 (Footstepsinthesand winning the 2000 and Virginia Waters the 1000).
For Norway-born Buick it was his first taste of 1000 Guineas glory.
“I am a very happy man, amazing filly,” said Buick.
“It means everything. What a weekend for Godolphin. I cannot put it into words what this means.
“We had to make the running and she showed her class. A beautiful filly.
“This is what dreams are made of. To be part of the Godolphin operation is very special,” added the 36-year-old.
Appleby, 49, said it was the icing on the cake for the Godolphin Operation, the brainchild of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum.
“First and foremost it is great for Sheikh Mohammed,” he said.
“For the team in the USA and here it has been an amazing weekend. Huge team effort. What they have achieved is remarkable.
“Great ride by William and it is amazing to train the double.”
Desert Flower came home clear of outsiders Flight (28/1) and Simmering (33/1), both trained by young gun Ollie Sangster.
The trainer’s grandfather the late Robert Sangster was once the dominant owner but won the 1000 Guineas only once, with the Tommy Stack-trained Las Meninas in 1994.
For his grandson it was a dream day.
“We are elated,” he said.
“To be second and third is just fantastic.
“To run Desert Flower close like that is a real feather in the cap.
“To be at the top table like that is wonderful, as we are not used to supping at it.”
Godolphin’s delight was in stark contrast to their great Irish rivals Coolmore as Aidan O’Brien’s hotly fancied Lake Victoria finished sixth of the 10 runners — her first defeat in six races.
