Nations Pride shows class in G1 Arlington Million

Nations Pride added another significant North American prize to his CV as he landed the G1 Arlington Million at Colonial Downs, USA, on Sunday, 11 August. 

The Charlie Appleby-trained son of Teofilo enjoyed a fruitful campaign stateside in 2022, plundering the G1 Saratoga Derby and G3 Jockey Club Derby at Aqueduct, as well as taking last year’s G1 Canadian International at Woodbine.

Lining up on the back of a second to Measured Time in the G1 Manhattan Stakes, Nations Pride settled in midfield of the six runners as front-runner Sugoi opened up a clear lead.

The chasing pack closed up on Sugoi rounding the home turn, with Nations Pride produced on the outside of rivals by William Buick at the top of the straight. 

Nations Pride worked his way into the lead approaching the final furlong and stayed on strongly to deny Integration by just under two lengths, with Ancient Rome third.

William Buick said: “Nations Pride is a very good horse. He is very uncomplicated and does exactly what you like. He is a pleasure to ride.

“He has taken so well to North American racing. A mile and a quarter is probably his best trip, although he can stretch out to an easy mile and a half. We will see what Charlie and the team does with him next.”

Charlie Appleby said: “We are delighted with Nations Pride. He was the class horse in the Arlington Million and it was a very straightforward race for him.

“He is likely to come back to Europe while we contemplate where we go next. We have made entries for Australia and will also look at what is available to him in Hong Kong and Japan.”