Jockey Joseph O’Brien claimed his first win in the Juddmonte International Stakes onboard Declaration of War
Declaration Of War won the Juddmonte Internation Stakes feature race on the opening day of the Ebor Festival at York.
The 7-1 shot, ridden by Joseph O’Brien, beat Trading Leather (5-1) by one-length, whilst the favourite Al Kazeem finished in third place.
Declaration of War, who was chosen to run in the prestigious race ahead of stablemate Camelot, gave trainer Aidan O’Brien his fourth win in the Juddmonte Stakes.
Second favourite Toronado finished back in fifth place after a poor race as jockey Richard Hughes never managed to help him chase the leaders and he said after the race that his horse would have struggled to win that race over any distance.
The winning jockey said immediately after his win at York: “I don’t know if it was as much of a surprise as what it was for a lot of people.
“This guy [Declaration of War] is tough. He has been running consistently. He travelled really well.
“We always thought that he would be able to drop back to six or seven furlongs.”
Meanwhile the winning jockey’s father Aidan O’Brien said: “He has been improving with every run and everyone back home who looks after him was so positive heading into this race.
“It is hard to believe that he is having such a busy time, yet he is continuing to improve. He is a great traveller and he tries very hard.
“I think all the options are open to this horse but it will be a decision for the lads at the yard to see when he will next run.”
The late Sir Henry Cecil was the winning trainer for the 2011 and 2012 races after seeing Twice Over and Frankel claim the stakes.
Words: Adam Grice
Photo: http://www.coral.co.uk
The Sporting Section 