An all-star cast lined up for the 2021 Juddmonte International, but one star was left shining brightest as Mishriff ran out a six-length winner of the feature 10 furlong contest at York's Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival. The dual-surface star earned an expenses-paid berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic this fall at Del Mar, though winning co-trainer John Gosden implied that the next stop for Mishriff will be the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe or QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot.
The Juddmonte International was the only “Win and You're In” qualifying race for the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic run in Europe this year.
Mishriff was last seen finishing second to Adayar in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes (G1) at Ascot in July, a “Win and You're In” race for the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf. The 4-year-old colt is trained by John & Thady Gosden and was ridden by David Egan. Mishriff won the Saudi Cup (G1) on dirt and the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) on turf earlier this year.
After the ride, Egan said: “Mishriff has proved he can do it overseas and he can do it back home.
“I had in my mind I wanted to sit in the second row, one of the fence…he stays this flat mile and a quarter so well and I was going so easy three out I just let him slide and he took me there all the way.”
Much was made of the absence of St Mark's Basilica at the declaration stage for the race, but he could well have met his match regardless as David Egan steered Mishriff to a resounding victory over Alenquer.
Mac Swiney, winner of the Irish 2000 Guineas earlier in the year took up the running early on. A relatively steady two-by-two formation ensued for the first half of the race. The eventual winner received plenty of cover, dicing between third and fourth.
Turning into the straight the race pace began to increase, with Love and Alcohol Free making their moves on the far side. Meanwhile standside, David Egan was cruising on Mishriff and found himself in the lead two furlongs out. Any worries that the horse had a tendency to stop out in front were soon quashed as Mishriff continued to pull clear for a resounding victory.
Alenquer ran a very strong race to finish best of the rest, while Love and Alcohol Free weren't seen at their best. Although, their best still may not have been enough to topple the eventual winner.
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