Roaring Lion Claims Coral-Eclipse Stakes

Mark Smith - Sunday July 8

Saturday's Group 1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes (10f) at Sandown delivered another thrilling battle between the old foes Roaring Lion and Saxon Warrior.

In an epic duel in the final 200 metres, Roaring Lion gradually gained a neck advantage under Oisin Murphy and gained some revenge on Saxon Warrior, who had beaten him in both the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy and Group 1 2,000 Guineas.

Last year's Epsom Derby runner-up Cliffs Of Moher was third. (photo Keeneland)


It was the third win in the race for John Gosden following Nathaniel in 2012 and Golden Horn in 2015 and a first Group 1 for Oisin Murphy who impressed in a short stint in Australia in 2014 as an 18yo apprentice.

"I went out in the race with a very open mind and full of confidence thanks to the owner and the trainer. Thankfully, we delivered," Murphy said.

"My horse has caused very little interference if any and clearly he was the best horse in the race. He's a very talented colt."

Gosden was also quick to praise the rider.

"He rode him beautifully and very coolly. He got too far back, he knew that, and he didn't hurry to get back. It was a very good ride and I'm thrilled," Gosden told ITV Racing.

"I thought Saxon Warrior was magnificent, so all credit to Aidan O'Brien.

"He (Murphy) deserves it. He did very well to stay as cool as he did."

Carrying the colours of Qatar Racing, Roaring Lion advances his record to 5 wins, 1 second and 2 thirds from 9 starts with earnings of £835,081.

Gosden said the Group 1 G1 Juddmonte International] at York on August 22 is likely to be the next race for Roaring Lion.

The grey son of Kitten's Joy was a $160,000 purchase at the 2016 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

His Group 1 placed dam Vionnet is a daughter of the former Darley shuttler Street Sense whose brother Camdus (IRE) won the Listed VRC Sprint at Flemington on Saturday.

Advertisment
More Reading...
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Castelvecchio has gone from nowhere to somewhere during the course of this spring with three stakes-winners putting his name in lights and he had a promising three year-old colt salute at Hawkesbury on Thursday that has now won two of three starts.
Arkansaw Kid Brother Sells for $520,000
A well-related son of Harry Angel provided a late highlight in the final hour of the 2024 NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka on Thursday when he was knocked down to a $520,000 bid from bloodstock agent Morgan Carter.
Ka Ying Rising connection draws Hayes team to Shamexpress at Karaka
With one of the world’s most exciting sprinters flying the flag for David Hayes in Hong Kong, it has been no surprise to see the trainer’s sons zeroing in on progeny of Windsor Park Stud stallion Shamexpress during the Ready to Run Sale at Karaka this week.
Churchill Colt Pulls Off Stunning Pinhooking Result at NZB Ready To Run
Chad Ormsby has enjoyed plenty of racetrack success this year with pinhooks that he has been unable to sell at the Ready to Run Sale, but the multi-talented horseman had a very different outcome with the standout member of his 2024 Riverrock Farm draft at Karaka on Thursday.
Million-dollar Hour for Leung at NZB Ready To Run
Hong Kong bloodstock agent Willie Leung had a big hour at Karaka early on Thursday afternoon, spending more than $1 million to secure two well-credentialled colts at the NZB Ready to Run Sale.
Castelvecchio Out for Remainder of Season
Aeliana’s late charge into second place in the $1.5million Group I MRC Thousand Guineas last Saturday stamped her as the filly to follow out of the race, but it wasn’t quite enough to put her sire Castelvecchio to the top of the second season sires list and he is now out of service at Arrowfield following surgery last week.
Vale, Danny Champion
The thoroughbred racing industry is in mourning following the passing of respected horseman Danny Champion.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
Sires With Winners - Thursday November 21
Here is the full list of 32 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Blockbuster Sale as NZB Ready to Run Records Tumble
Expectations were exceeded at Karaka with tremendous results witnessed across two days of selling at NZB’S 2024 Ready to Run Sale, confirming the demand for proven racetrack results and quality New Zealand-prepared horses.