St Nicholas Abbey: The two time Coronation Cup champion
In the history of horseracing, there are quite a few horses who have won the high-profile Coronation Cup for more than once----the A. P. O’Brien trained bay horse, St Nicholas Abbey, is one of them. The five-year-old enthusiastic runner has proved his class
and capabilities by winning two back-to-back editions of the Investec-sponsored Group 1 race that is held at Epsom every June.
Possessing the rich legacy of his Irish sire, Montjeu, and American dam, Leaping Water; the brilliant sprinter has won 7 of his total 15 starts since starting his career in August 2009.
Like all the ace trainees of O’Brien, he is also ridden by the legendary trainer’s son J. P. O’Brien. Most of the times in his career, St Nicholas Abbey has come up to the expectations of his mentor. He has hardly disappointed the punters too.
The brilliant horse’s career boom came during the last year when he excellently won the Boodles Diamond Ormonde Stakes (Group 3) at Chester on May 6 despite being a non-favourite runner.
Gaining a lot of confidence from that triumph, the star sprinter moved on to accomplish his maiden Coronation Cup title on June 3. Being the red hot favourite candidate for the Investec Coronation Cup (Group 1), he delivered an outstanding performance against
four worthy rivals.
Thus, that victory proved to be a big morale booster for the horse. During the same year, the Barton Bloodstock & Villiers Synd bred runner also claimed the glorious title of the Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Turf (Grade 1) (3YO+) (Turf).
St Nicholas Abbey extended his form to 2012 as well and grabbed two consecutive runner-up positions in a Group 1 and a Group 3 race.
Then came the Coronation Cup again on June 2 and the skilled runner got geared up to defend his title. The competition was pretty tough this time but he showed an epic performance to outplay 5 strong competitors, adding another superb title to his profile.
Following this, the talented horse finished 3rd in the 10-runner race of the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes Sponsored By Betfair (British Champions Series) (Group 1) at Ascot on July 21.
Now, St Nicholas Abbey is preparing for the mega challenge that he will face in the Juddmonte International Stakes (British Champions Series) (Group 1) on August 22 at York. He is likely to get the favourite tag for the 40-runner event.
Let us see how the gifted horse copes with this challenge. If he wins this race, it will prove to be a landmark development in his career. Good luck to the diligent runner.
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