King's Apostle split rivals in deep stretch and hung on gamely for Ryan Moore to capture the Prix Maurice de Gheest (Fr-I) at Deauville Aug. 9.
With the victory, King’s Apostle earned an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita Park via the Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” series.
Always held in high regard by trainer William Haggas, King’s Apostle justified his trainer’s faith by digging in and gamely hanging on to capture the first group I victory of his career.
Mariol, under Christophe Lemaire, ran on late to take second, a half-length behind King’s Apostle. Lesson In Humility tired after setting much of the early pace but held on for third, just a head further back.
Final time for the six furlongs was 1:15.70 over a good turf course.
A delighted William Haggas told reporters after the race, “Last time out in the (Darley) July Cup (Eng-I) he got knocked sideways, and while he might not have won, he probably would’ve been placed.”
“He’s been knocking on the door in the group I’s and I think that this was thoroughly deserved.”
King’s Apostle is a 5-year-old horse by King's Best out of Politesse, by Barathea. He is the first foal out of Politesse, who was unraced. His second dam, Embassy (by Cadeaux Genereux), was the champion 2-year-old filly in England in 1997.
King’s Apostle was bred in Ireland by Wentworth Racing and is owned by Bernard Kantor.
