Fame And Glory gave trainer Aidan O’Brien his fourth victory in the Coronation Cup (Eng-I), holding off a stubborn Sariska to record a 1 1/2-length victory at Epsom June 4.
The 4-year-old colt, who finished second to Sea The Stars in the Investec Derby (Eng-I) over the same course last year, was sent off as the heavy favorite to record his third win of the season. The son of Montjeu captured the Tattersalls Gold Cup (Ire-I) by seven lengths in his last start on May 23.
Fame And Glory, partnered once again by Johnny Murtagh, missed the break slightly but quickly got into stride and was handily placed in third, behind his stablemate Dixie Music and fellow group I winner, Jukebox Jury. The trio set a quick early pace, and had opened up an eight length lead on the rest of the field by the time they reached the famed Tattenham Corner.
As the field entered the home straight, Fame And Glory took command as Dixie Music and Jukebox Jury began to fade. At the same time, Sariska, ridden by Jamie Spencer, made a bold move to the outside, rolling past Jukebox Jury and Youmzain into second.
Sariska, who captured the Investec Oaks (Eng-I) last year, drew to within a length of the leader and appeared as though she would easily sweep past him. The 4-year-old daughter of Pivotal was unable to pull any closer, however, as Fame And Glory had more in the tank and spurted clear, eventually winning by 1 1/2 lengths.
High Heeled, making her first start for trainer John Gosden, closed well for third, another 1 1/4 lengths further back. Final time for the 12-furlongs was 2:33.42 over the good turf course.
A delighted Murtagh told reporters after the race, “He’s a real champion. I liked the way he knuckled down in the last furlong. He missed the start a little bit today but was soon into a lovely rhythm.”
“He is much more on the ball this year and is showing more pace,” Murtagh continued. “He's really in the zone now, a very exciting horse.”
O’Brien added, “He is tactically very quick now and Johnny said he was cantering at all stages. A midsummer break was the plan, but we might just have a look at the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Eng-I) now.”
Fame And Glory is by Montjeu, and is out of the winning Shirley Heights mare, Gryada. He was bred in England by Ptarmigan Bloodstock and Kirsten Rausing. He races for Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier, and Michael Tabor.