World Champion miler Palace Pier added a new winner to his record when his son A Bit Of Spirit showed an excellent attitude to win a competitive novice over an extended six furlongs at Newbury on Thursday, 12th June.
Showing great early speed, the Clive Cox-trained A Bit Of Spirit travelled strongly at the head of the field and when challenged by Godolphin’s Time To Turn, who already had the benefit of a run, he showed a great attitude to hang on in the final strides. The pair pulled well clear of the field, with five lengths back to the third.
Two very promising colts come clear at @NewburyRacing!
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 12, 2025
Time To Turn was very well-supported pre-race but it's the 28/1-newcomer A Bit Of Spirit who shows plenty to get off the mark first time up in the hands of @Rossaryan15! pic.twitter.com/MTZlYkxzrs
Bred by J Hanly, A Stroud & Ed’s Stud, A Bit Of Spirit was purchased by Kevin Ross Bloodstock from Ballyhimikin Stud at the Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale. He is the first foal out of Dubawi mare Tanaaghom and comes from the family of G1 July Cup winner Elnadim, and G1 Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Mehthaaf.
Palace Pier was a five-time G1 winner, including victories in the St James’s Palace Stakes, Queen Anne Stakes, and back-to-back renewals of the Prix Jacques le Marois. He sired his first winner faster than even his own sire Kingman, when Godolphin homebred Morris Dancer won a seven-furlong novice at Haydock at the end of May.
