Arctic Cosmos Shines in St. Leger

Arctic Cosmos made his debut in group I company a winning one as he stormed home under William Buick to capture the Ladbrokes St. Leger Stakes (Eng-I) by 1 3/4 lengths at Doncaster Sept. 11.

The win was the third in the St. Leger for trainer John Gosden and was the first classic victory for Buick, who continued his outstanding year.  The 22-year-old jockey has also captured the Arlington Million (gr. IT), Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-IT), and Darley Prix Morny (Fr-I) this season.

The St. Leger, which was first contested in 1776, is the oldest classic in the world. It is the third leg in the English Triple Crown, and is run at a distance of just over 14 furlongs.

Sporting blinkers for the first time, Arctic Cosmos broke well and was settled just off the pace set by Corsica. Corsica was tracked closely by Ted Spread and Total Command, while the heavy favorite, Rewilding, was held up toward the rear by Frankie Dettori.  

The field remained unchanged throughout the early stages of the race, as Corsica continued to set a decent pace. As the field rounded the turn for home, Corsica continued to lead as both Ted Spread and Total Command faded. Rewilding, who was under a drive by Dettori, threatened briefly with two furlongs to run, but quickly flattened out and could find nothing more.

Buick sat motionless aboard Arctic Cosmos, as the son of North Light   was still full of run. The pair shot to the lead with just over a furlong left, drawing off to win easily.  

Midas Touch rallied late to nip Corsica by a nose for second. Snow Fairy, winner of both the Investec Oaks (Eng-I) and Darley Irish Oaks (Ire-I), made a belated move to finish fourth, 1 1/4 lengths behind Corsica.

The final time for the race was 3:03.12 over a course rated good.

A delighted Gosden told reporters after the race, “We’ve always dreamt he was a Leger horse and he’s done it like a proper horse. Our dreams have come true and we’re over the moon.”

Regarding future plans for the colt Gosden said, “He’s in the Breeders’ Cup, the mile and a half Turf, and we may dream about that.”

Arctic Cosmos is out of Fifth Avenue Doll, by Marquetry. He is from the first crop of North Light, a son of Danehill who captured the 2004 Vodafone Epsom Derby (Eng-I). Arctic Cosmos was bred in Kentucky by Sheridan and Iadora Farm, and is owned by Rachel Hood and Robin Geffen.