Godolphin Raider Captures Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes

Mark Smith - Saturday September 22

Making his first start since winning the Group 1 Alqoz Sprint during the Dubai World Cup Carnival in March, Godolphin's Jungle Cat (IRE) put a dent in Australian pride when he edged out For Dollar and Land Of Plenty in Saturday's Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

A first Group 1 feature in the antipodes for trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey James Doyle, Jungle Cat (IRE) did best in a driving finish to defeat Dollar For Dollar (High Chaparral) by a half-head with Land Of Plenty (Stratum) a half-head back in third. (photos Grant Courtney)


The 7yo son of Iffraaj has been a model of consistency throughout his 31-start career that has yielded 8 wins, 9 seconds and 3 thirds with earnings of $2,276,704.

"It's been a fantastic season and it's all down to the team," Appleby said.

"It's great to have a Group 1 winner here. It was a fantastic ride by James. There was plenty of pace on, more than I'd thought there would be. James followed Home Of The Brave around and once James levelled him out and got stuck into him, the old cat is not for lying down and he dug deep.


"It was always our plan after the Alqoz to come here because there are not that many Group 1 1400 metre races in Europe and the ground is always on the easy side in France where potentially we would take him.

"I'm delighted for the horse. He deserves his Group 1's, he has been so consistent all his life."

Bred by Darley, Jungle Cat (IRE) is out of the stakes-winning Forest Wildcat mare Mike's Wildcat, who is also the dam of the Grade III-placed Texas Wildcatter (Monarchos).

Jungle Cat is her seventh foal and she has produced another dual winner in Wild Approach (Approve) but has not had a foal since 2014.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Kiwi Vendor Celebrating Sales and Racetrack Success
Vendor Barry Donoghue enjoyed a lucrative two days at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale last week and he’s now celebrated a significant result in another role.
Group I Winner Jon Snow Retired
Former ATC Derby winner Jon Snow has been retired after finishing a gallant third in the Group I Zabeel Classic (2000m) on Boxing Day.
Sires With Winners - Monday November 25
Here is the full list of 10 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Yulong Announce Sad Passing of G1 Winning Mare
Yulong released a video Tweet last week recapping their sensational spring carnival results and also revealing the passing of their dual Group I winning Frankel mare Hungry Heart.
Do Deuce From Last to First in Japan Cup
The visitors were once again humbled by the locals in the 44th running of Sunday’s Group 1 Longines Japan Cup (2400m) at Tokyo Racecourse.
Griffin Gets the Bickies at Taupo for Te Akau
gavelhouse graduate Griffin , a full brother to Gingernuts, produced a promising fresh up performance at Taupo on Sunday, much to the delight of the Te Akau Slam Dunk Syndicate.
Prima Park Perfect Clearance at Ready to Run
Prima Park has accrued an enviable record with their New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale graduates, and farm principal Kelly Van Dyk is hoping they can add another to that list from their 2024 draft.
Deserved G1 Win for Wyndspelle
A perennial bridesmaid at the highest level, consistent galloper Wyndspelle finally cracked a maiden Group One triumph when he took out the Gr.1 Rydges Wellington Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) in fine style at Trentham.
New Stakes-Winner for Iffraaj
Local runner Who Dares Wins upset the favourites when he produced a bold finishing burst to capture his first win at stakes level when scoring in the Listed Christchurch Casino Easter Cup (1600m).
Elite 1088- Karaka 2025 Unveiled
Hot on the heels of a record-breaking Ready to Run Sale, the cream of New Zealand’s yearling crop has been revealed for Karaka 2025.