Racehorse Running Lion triumphs in its first victory since Royal Ascot 2024, reinforcing trainer Charlie Gosden's outstanding record in the Listed event.
In a thrilling finish at the Newmarket Racecourse, Miss Wong, owned and bred by Kirsten Rausing, emerged victorious in the fillies' handicap race, defeating Lion by three-quarters of a length.
Ridden by Hector Crouch, Miss Wong, a three-year-old daughter of Study Of Man, recorded her first win on turf, covering a distance of 1 mile and 3.5 furlongs. The victory marked a significant milestone for the filly, who has shown promise in her previous races.
Lion, a five-year-old horse, entered the race as a formidable opponent. Since triumphing at the royal meeting last summer, the former Duke of Cambridge Stakes winner had largely kept Group 1 or Group 2 company in her seven starts. Oisin Murphy, the winning rider of Lion, has been in exceptional form lately, winning 23 races in the past fortnight, approaching a 40% strike-rate.
Despite the strong competition, Lion struggled to keep up with Miss Wong in the closing stages of the race. Hector Crouch, the winning rider of Miss Wong, managed to squeeze through a gap three furlongs out to secure the victory.
David Simcock, the winning trainer of Miss Wong, expressed his satisfaction with the filly's performance. He suggested that there could be a possibility for a step up in trip for Miss Wong, as she is bred to get better.
The win was a drop in class for Lion, but Oisin Murphy remains optimistic. He believes that the addition of blinkers helped Lion concentrate better, and he looks forward to future races with the five-year-old horse.
The John Musker Fillies' Stakes has a rich history, with the Gosden stable adding Lion to their list of winners. Previous winners include Saafeya (1998), Dance Partner (2006), So Mi Dar (2016), Fanny Logan (2019), Shaara (2022), and Majestic Noor (2020, disqualified).
Oisin Murphy was also pleased for owner David Howden, who has been patient with Lion. The win marked a significant moment for the pair, as it was Lion's first since Royal Ascot last year.
The race was a testament to the competitive spirit and skill of both horses and their riders. As the dust settled, it was clear that Miss Wong had emerged victorious, adding another chapter to her racing career.
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