The King George is back

By Declan Rix

The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is one of Europe’s top open aged thoroughbred flat races. Its roll of honour inlcudes names like Shergar, Dancing Brave, Montjeu and Galileo giving the great race such prestige and class. Trainers like Vincent O’Brien, Stoute and Cecil give the event a historic glow while great jockeys like Piggott, Carson and Kinane add further greatness. And, the fact the Royal track hosts, again adds to its stature. All the top owners and trainers used to target the King George with their very best; it was up there with an Arc or a Breeders’ Cup.

Please excuse my use of the past tense but recently the King George has lost some of its esteem. It’s not the great race it used to be where generations would clash coming around Swinley Bottom. Top three-year-olds racing against what should be some of their heroes has become an afterthought in recent times. The winner of the Derby always stood his ground, according to history, but that has not been the case recently. For example the 2006, 2007 and 2008 renewals didn’t see one three-year-old even entered. In previous races there would be multiple Group One winners in the field but sadly, the King George does not seem quite the irresistible magnet it once was for top middle-distance horses. Recent races will never be mentioned in the same breath as Grundy’s hard fought battle win over Bustino which is frequently described as the “race of the century”.

The 2010 renewal has a small but select field going to post. This year’s record breaking Derby winner, Workforce, takes his place at the head of the market. The Dante and Irish Derby winner, Cape Blanco, has also stood his ground. Youmazin, twice a Group One winner and placed in no less than three Arcs has also be given the green light to run by connections. Throw in to the mix, Dar Re Mi, one of the best fillies/mares in recent seasons and a three time Group One winner herself including this year’s Sheema Classic in Dubai. We have another Group One winner with Alan De Royer-Dupre’s French raider, Daryakana, making the trip. And to top it all off, Harbinger, a stable mate of Workforce, who is also a multiple Group winner.

The 2010 renewal is a high class affair. It won’t go down in history as one of the greatest renewals ever but it’s a breath of fresh air to see owners and trainers targeting the race with their best. There is a nice mix of three-old-olds taking on older horses along with a very high class mare. Cconnections of each horse entered should be commended. It’s no surprise to see racing greats like Sir Michael Stoute and Aiden O’Brien trying to lift this once great race to where it once was.

By Declan Rix