Ancient Wisdom toughs it out in G1 Futurity Trophy

Ancient Wisdom rounded off a superb end to his juvenile campaign with a determined victory on heavy ground in the G1 Futurity Trophy at Doncaster, UK, on Saturday, 28 October.

A dominant winner of the G3 Emirates Autumn Stakes two weeks earlier, the Charlie Appleby-trained colt broke smartly and established a narrow advantage over his six rivals in the mile highlight.

Dancing Gemini and Devil’s Point challenged as the pace lifted passing the three-furlong pole and both looked to briefly head Ancient Wisdom with just over a quarter-mile to race.

Ancient Wisdom rallied under William Buick to regain the lead a furlong and a half out and the son of Dubawi powered clear approaching the final half-furlong, hitting the line full of running to prevail by nearly two lengths over Devil’s Point.

Charlie Appleby said: “I am delighted for the whole team and it’s great to finish the UK season on a G1-winning note with a horse that has a bright future.

“We feel that Ancient Wisdom is going to improve from two to three and we will see what we have in the spring in terms of where we start him off. The 2,000 Guineas will be spoken about, but he is a horse who looks as though middle distances will take him to another level.”

William Buick said: “Ancient Wisdom put in a good performance at Newmarket only two weeks ago but Charlie and the team were very happy to supplement him for today. He is just a horse who is very uncomplicated, which goes a long way.

“Even on that ground, I thought he showed a good bit of brilliance in the final furlong when he levelled off and got himself organised. He is a beautiful horse to look at and has done nothing but strengthen all year. A winter on his back will do him even better and we have plenty to look forward to next year.”