Native Trail runner-up on Newmarket comeback

Native Trail finished second on his first appearance for 261 days in the G2 bet365 Mile at Newmarket, UK, on Friday, 5 May.

Last season’s G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas winner, who was European Champion Two-Year-Old following an unbeaten 2021 campaign, tracked Mutasaabeq in second of a group of four that came up the centre of the course.

William Buick asked Native Trail to close over two furlongs out but Mutasaabeq continued to enjoy himself in front, stretching his advantage to four lengths passing the furlong-pole.

Native Trail could make little impression on Mutasaabeq, who galloped out well to score by three lengths, with the Godolphin colt holding on for second by a short-head from Light Infantry.

Charlie Appleby said: “William [Buick] said that Native Trail was just a bit rusty. You could see from the gate he was just having to chivvy him along a little bit.

“Native Trail will sharpen up no end for today and the most important thing was that he wanted it. William nursed him across the line, given how long he had been off, but he has held on for second. Take nothing away from the winner, who got a nice run and quickened again.”