Canford Cliffs followed up his win in the Abu Dhabi Irish Two Thousand Guineas (Ire-I) with a scintillating victory over a top class field in the St. James’s Palace Stakes (Eng-I) at Royal Ascot June 15.
Canford Cliffs and stablemate Dick Turpin provided trainer Richard Hannon with a one-two finish, as Canford Cliffs was finally able to get the better of his stablemate for the first time, winning by a length.
Jockey Richard Hughes kept Canford Cliffs toward the rear of the field for much of the race, as Ballydoyle stablemates Steinbeck and Beethoven contested the early lead. Dick Turpin sat just behind that pair throughout the early stages, and as the field entered the final two furlongs took command and looked to be home free.
But Hughes had Canford Cliffs in the clear and under a drive, and the pair made up several lengths to finally wrest away the lead from Dick Turpin in the final final 75 yards. Lightly-regarded Hearts Of Fire, trained by former champion jockey Pat Eddery, came flying home to grab third, three-quarters of a length behind Dick Turpin.
The final time for the eight furlongs was 1:39.55.
The lone American-based challenger, Noble's Promise , who was always in touch of the early leaders, ran on at one pace and finished fifth, about three lengths behind the winner. Makfi, who captured the Stanjames.com Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-I) was never a factor, finishing a disappointing seventh.
Winning trainer Richard Hannon said: “All he needed to do was settle in his races; there was no doubt he was going to get a mile. I’m very lucky to have two very good horses. It is always lovely to win here, obviously.”
Bred in Ireland by S and S Hubbard Rodwell, Canford Cliffs is by the French group I winner, Tagula, and out of the Marju mare, Mrs. Marsh. He is owned by the partnership of the Heffer Syndicate, Mrs. Roy, and Mrs. Instance.