Golden Horn Eclipses his rivals at Sandown

Cape Cross’s son Golden Horn was already the best of his generation following his sensational Derby victory earlier this month and on 4 July, he confirmed himself as a true champion when bettering his older rivals to take the G1 Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.

Despite missing the break by a fraction, Golden Horn was soon sent to the front by Frankie Dettori, who dictated the pace from then on. Nudged along as they rounded the home turn, John Gosden’s charge repelled a sustained challenge from The Grey Gatsby and picking up superbly in the final stages, won by three and a half lengths.

Golden Horn won his only start at two, reappearing with a win in the Listed Feilden Stakes at Newmarket in April. He then won his Derby trial with ease, taking the Dante by almost three lengths before storming to victory at Epsom last month.

Bred by Anthony Oppenheimer’s Hascombe and Valiant Studs, Golden Horn is out of Fleche d’Or, herself a half-sister to the great racemare Rebecca Sharp.

Cape Cross, also sire of fellow Derby and Eclipse winner Sea The Stars, has sired 17 individual Black type performers so far this year, including German Guineas winner Karpino and recent Group winner Convergence.