Eddery Springs Sussex Upset on Reel Buddy

In fitting fashion, the highlight of the Glorious Goodwood meeting in England came when Pat Eddery, who has announced this is his last year, rode Reel Buddy to a huge upset in the meet's biggest race, the Sussex Stakes (Eng-I).

Reel Buddy, a son of Mr. Greeley bred by Stronach Stables, came from last in the field of nine to take the Sussex at 20-1. The 5-year-old horse won by just a head in a thrilling finish that saw Statue of Liberty of Second by a short head over Norse Dancer, with Zafeen another neck back. It was only another neck to Moon Ballad in fifth.

Trade Fair, who was favored, finished sixth and was followed by Blatant, Evantuail, and Spartacus.

Reel Buddy ran the mile in 1:40 over ground rated as good to soft in posting his ninth win in his 33rd career start.

The winner is owned by Speedith Group and trained by Richard Hannon.

"It feels really good. He ran a blinder at Epsom when the ground was a bit firm for him and he came home a little bit sore," Eddery told The Racing Post. "But Richard got him back here today and everything went nice. They went flat out and I settled him out the back and I brought him through them. I just had to squeeze him because if you give him a slap he pulls up with you."

Eddery has been champion jockey in England 11 times and the victory was his sixth in the Sussex.