Close second for Chesspiece in G3 Gordon Stakes

Chesspiece ran a fine race in defeat as he was collared close home by Desert Hero in the G3 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood, UK, on Thursday, 3 August.

Stepping back up in class following a Hamilton Listed win, the Nathaniel colt overcame a bump leaving the stalls to establish a length advantage over his five rivals.

James Doyle looked to stretch the field with half a mile to race and Chesspiece gamely saw off the challenges of Artistic Star and Burdett Road passing the two-furlong pole. Desert Hero laid down a late bid and reeled in Chesspiece inside the final half-furlong. The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained runner galloped out well, going down by a neck at the line.

Simon Crisford said: “We just got outpaced at a crucial moment. Chesspiece wants a mile and six furlongs, but he loved the ground today and ran his heart out. It was a fantastic run and the St Leger dream is still alive.”