Keeneland

Writing this on my way back from Lexington, my overwhelming emotion is pride in Kinross, and his team of riders , head lads and groom . He was turned out in terrific shape by Emma Wilkinson and Beth Daly, and given a brave ride (in getting to the inside fence) by Frankie Dettori , to get as close as he could from the toughest of draws in 12. A fast finishing 3rd beaten only three quarters of a length, this was a huge effort . It’s easy to forget it was also his fifth start since mid August…a real testament to everyone involved. 

He is likely to finish up for the year now, we will probably frame his 2023 campaign around the second half of the year, and I would love to take him to Santa Anita for next year’s Breeders Cup. 

We are definitely in wind down mode now, and will have few running through December to March. There are some two year olds to run to the end of this month , and plenty of yearlings to get on with .

It’s been a great year , to win five group ones is more than we could have dreamt of ,so picking the highlight is difficult, but winning the Champions Sprint with Kinross was a wonderful day. He really showed his versatility dropping back to 6 furlongs , and taking a good field apart. 

We have plenty to look forward to in 2023, with Westover, Lezoo and Prosperous Voyage staying in training, and a strong team of 2 year olds in the wings.

PS .. Max Vega stays in training too… what a warrior he is … winning the John Porter and St Simon Stakes in the same year takes some doing.