Arch Gelding Captures Darley July Cup
Updated: Saturday, July 15, 2006 1:23 PM
Posted: Friday, July 14, 2006 1:40 PM
Les Arcs, a Maryland-bred son of Arch, held off a fast-closing Iffraaj to win the Darley July Cup (Eng-I) at Newmarket, England on Friday.
Sent off at 10-1 odds, the 6-year-old gelding was ridden to victory by John Egan for trainer Tim Pitt. The victory followed the first group I success for Les Arcs in the Golden Jubilee Stakes (Eng-I) at Royal Ascot.
Owned by Willie McKay, Les Arcs was bred by Elk Manor Farm. Purchased by agent John Ferguson for $140,000 from the Robert E. Courtney consignment to the 2001 Keeneland September yearling sale, Les Arcs began his career racing for Godolphin, which owns July Cup runner-up Iffraaj.
"He's absolutely amazing," Pitt told Channel 4 television. "We know he stays and we know he keeps going."
Les Arcs assumed the lead from Australian-based Takeover Target and Falkirk in the final furlong and was just a head better than the runner-up.
FREE! E-Newsletters from The Blood-Horse!...
Follow the top stories of major racing events, racing previews and results with FREE e-newsletters from bloodhorse.com. As news develops, we'll deliver updates to your inbox. Follow important events moment by moment, step by step!
