Racing Fans Flock to Southwell as City Of Troy Prepares for Breeders' Cup Classic
Japanese media also keeping an eye on Aidan O’Brien’s Breeders’ Cup Classic favourite.
Over 700 racing fans, including some of the sport's leading figures, watched at Southwell on Friday as the City Of Troy finished his Breeders' Cup Classic preparatory work before the colt sets out for Del Mar. York chief executive clerk of the course William Derby came among their ranks for a combination of professional and personal reasons, as much by the siren call of the enormous promise of Justify's colt.
The only bright spot of this season has been the City Of Troy, trained by Aidan O'Brien, who won the Juddmonte International. He rightly owns a hold on turf and is rated to be the best in the world at that. "We were ecstatic how he won the Juddmonte," Derby reflected, adding, "Now he's the highest-rated turf horse in the world and it's just fantastic to see so many people come to watch him." His excitement was palpable, not just as a racing fan but as a key figure whose interests align with the City Of Troy's continued success.
Attendance exceeded expectations by more than double, and while no doubt most of the locals grabbed their free tickets, it was a global draw. Among those to attend was Tokyo-based TV correspondent Marie Mishima, who made a special journey from Japan for Southwell as part of a wider trip to Joseph O'Brien's yard and to go over Al Riffa, which is now Japanese-owned and being prepared for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. As Japanese interest in the Breeders' Cup grew, especially after Forever Young's third-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, Mishima realized the importance of the City Of Troy in the world racing scene. "The City Of Troy is very famous in Japan," she said, "having won the Derby, he's a horse everyone knows."
Whereas Coolmore's partners were noticeably absent, Paul Smith, son of Derrick Smith, did make an appearance to witness the event. Praising the organization of the event, he said: "Southwell has done a fantastic job putting this on. There's a great atmosphere, and people are embracing the opportunity to see Aidan's horses up close." Smith was worried about some early-season issues but optimistic about the City Of Troy. Newmarket on, everything's gone to plan. He always had the belief, and now he's going for the Breeders' Cup Classic—it is a huge moment," he recalled of the colt's early setback in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
It ended on a high as the City Of Troy and four stablemates did some leading around the paddock and watched out for the arrival of trainer Aidan O'Brien. Despite the careful planning, logistical delays from East Midlands Airport meant that O'Brien arrived rather later than anticipated, but once on-site, he lost no time issuing instructions. The horses then entered American-style starting stalls, specially built for the occasion, and the bell signaled the start of their practice run.
Although there was no commentary, spectators could follow the action on large screens. With two furlongs to run, City Of Troy was passing his stable companions with good style and the crowd cheered. One spectator, eyes glued to the television screen, turned to his companion and asked, "What does that tell you?" The remark, accompanied by a smile, was cautious: "I don't know if he beat much!" It was a flippancy moment but one thing that had not escaped anyone's mind was the solemnity of the event.
Even though the outcome of the rehearsal was expected, the event itself was a priceless experience not only for the horse but for the audience as well, as this event offered a virtually impossible chance to witness the input and work that had been put into preparing for one of the most prestigious racing events in the world. Hopes are high that the turf dominance by the City of Troy as he heads to Del Mar might cross over to the dirt, a true milestone actually from his already stellar career so far. For now, those who witnessed the scene at Southwell can lay claim to having seen a defining moment in the life of the City Of Troy. Still to run as a colt, the anticipation piles up for what may turn out to be one of the most fascinating performances ever made on the racing track.
