Knightsbridge grabs share of third in G3 Perryville Stakes

Knightsbridge acquitted himself well on his G3 debut as he dead-heated for third with Epic Ride in the Perryville Stakes at Keeneland, USA, on Saturday, 19 October. 

The Nyquist colt, a half-brother to Speaker’s Corner, was returning from injury having won both his previous starts for Bill Mott, including taking an allowance optional claimer by nine lengths at Gulfstream Park in March. 

After breaking on terms in the seven-furlong contest, Knightsbridge soon settled behind the leaders in fourth as Goodlookinjustice established a narrow lead over Patriot Spirit and Epic Ride. 

Brunacini made a big move around the field turning in and pressed Epic Ride and Patriot Spirit for the lead approaching the final furlong, with Book'em Danno also making his challenge between horses. 

Having found himself fifth at the furlong-pole, Knightsbridge stayed on well in the closing strides, passing Patriot Spirit and joining Epic Ride on the line to dead-heat for third behind Brunacini and Book'em Danno. 

Michael Banahan, Director of Bloodstock, Godolphin USA, said: “We were happy with the way Knightsbridge ran after a long layoff and it was a good effort. Perhaps he was just a hair short, but there were some nice horses in here. Maybe we will stretch him out a little bit in distance as it looks like he galloped out good. This was a good starting point to get him going again. It is difficult for an inexperienced horse to run in a G3 race off the layoff. We will see how he comes out of the race and come up with a game plan.”