Barney Roy bravely takes G1 Grosser Dallmayr-Preis

Barney Roy ran a race full of courage on ground softer than ideal to record a third G1 victory in the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis over a mile and a quarter at Munich, Germany, on Sunday, 26 July.

The Charlie Appleby-trained six-year-old, successful in the G1 St James’s Palace Stakes in 2017 and this year’s G1 Jebel Hatta Sponsored By Emirates Airline, was held up in sixth of the seven runners as Naida raced off into an uncontested lead.

Barney Roy was relegated to last leaving the back straight and was the first horse off the bridle as stable-companion Spotify (James Doyle) moved up to briefly challenge for the lead entering the final quarter-mile.

Most of the field looked to hold chances a furlong from home, with Barney Roy staying on gamely under William Buick to hit the front with just over half a furlong to race. He saw off the challenge of Quest The Moon in the closing stages to score by a neck on rain-softened good ground.

Charlie Appleby said: “There was a strong pace from the start and it developed into two races. William would have liked to have sat fourth, so we were a bit further back than we wanted to be on this ground. I thought the local horses ran very well because stamina came into play. We were coming here hoping for good to firm ground but the rain this morning was a bit of a negative for both Barney Roy and Spotify.

“The testing ground wouldn’t have suited Barney Roy at all but he has got the job done and all credit to everyone involved. Going forward, we are probably going to have a look at campaigning him in Australia now.

“We are thankful to Munich for putting the race on and allowing us to come, and the sponsor as well. These are very challenging times for everyone but we are delighted to be able to come here and win a G1 race for Godolphin. We very much appreciate everyone’s support.”

William Buick added: “It was a very tough race. We thought beforehand that the German horses set a good standard and they were at home. When the rain came this morning, we were a little concerned for Barney Roy because all of his best form is on fast ground. I thought he struggled on the ground from a long way out but his courage and ability allowed him to win the race. He is a high-class horse.

“We thought that there would be a good pace and Barney Roy jumped a little slow from the gates. We were probably positioned one place further back than I wanted to be but he was comfortable and relaxed. I followed Quest The Moon and I knew that he would take me into the race nicely, so I got a good lead from him.”