There was high drama at the conclusion of the John Smith’s Cup Handicap as, following an agonising wait for both sets of connections, the judge awarded Pride Of America the narrowest of verdicts over Astro King following a thrilling tussle up the York straight.
The six-year-old son of American Post was creating history for his Newmarket-based trainer Amy Murphy, as she became the first female to saddle the winner of the race since Sally Hall with Fine Sun in 1980, while his three-pound claiming rider Frederick Larson was celebrating by far the biggest win of his embryonic career. An 18-strong field went to post chasing the more than £103,000 first prize, and Marie's Diamond soon took up his customary position at the head of affairs. Haunted Dream kept the leader honest throughout, while Larson sat just a few positions further back on the eventual winner, with Astro King buried away in midfield.
Nobel was the first to put it up to the early leaders, hitting the front three-furlongs from the finish, but Pride Of America almost immediately came to challenge as Marie's Diamond faltered. Pride Of America eventually fought off Nobel and appeared to just about have the measure of the rallying Haunted Dream at the furlong pole, only for Astro King to emerge as a strong threat towards the far side of the course.
Momentum looked to be with the Daniel and Claire Kubler-trained challenger, but the line came just in time for Pride Of America, who clung on by a nose. Haunted Dream was a length and a half away in third, ahead of Nobel in fourth. Pride Of America has raced for a partnership consisting of the Haven't A Pot Syndicate, Anoj Don and Daniel Macauliffe throughout his career, though he was originally in the care of the now retired Harry Dunlop. He looked ultra promising when easily winning a Wolverhampton novice as a two-year-old but lost his way at three and missed the entire 2021 season with injury.
He returned better than ever with Amy Murphy last year, climbing the weights with wins at Newcastle, Chester and Haydock, before adding further handicap wins at Kempton and Chester this season.
He was unable to land a blow in the Group 3 La Coupe at Longchamp on his most recent start but is sure to try his luck in pattern company again soon after defying a mark of 106 on the Knavesmire.
Murphy was understandably thrilled following the race and outlined some of the challenges this delicate horse provides when speaking to Racing TV:
'It's a huge team effort to keep this horse running month in and month out, as he's a little bit fragile. My head girl Liz Mason spends her life icing him and taking him to the water treadmill. I ride him out myself every day, as he always wants to do too much, so I keep him well under lock and key!'
She also paid tribute to the horse's owners, who have become strong supporters of the stable in recent years.
'He's an incredible horse for us to have in the yard, and we are so lucky that the owners selected us to be able to train him.'
