Nuclear Debate Sprints to Nunthorpe Stakes Win

J.R. Chester's Nuclear Debate rallied from off the pace to score a 1 1/4-length triumph over Godolphin Racing's Bertolini in the Victor Chandler Nunthorpe Stakes (Eng-I) at York, England on Thursday. The 5-year-old gelded son of Geiger Counter -- out of the Cox's Ridge mare I'm An Issue -- completed the five furlong course in :57.83 over good turf, listed as good to firm in places.

Gerald Mosse booted home the John Hammond trainee, who was sent off as the 5-2 betting favorite. Pipalong finished third, 1 1/2 lengths behind Bertolini. In the 13-horse field, Watching came home fourth, and Perryston View fifth.

The win is the eighth for Nuclear Debate, coming in his 29th career start. It also marks his first win in a group I event and his third consecutive victory. Previous to the Thursday's win, he won the King's Stand Stakes (Eng-II) by 1 1/2 lengths at Ascot and the Prix du Gros-Chene (Fr-II) at Chantilly, both in June.