New London runner-up in G1 St Leger

New London was promoted to second in the stewards’ room following an eventful running of the G1 St Leger at Doncaster on Sunday, 11 September.

The Charlie Appleby-trained colt headed into the final Classic of the UK season having won four of his five starts, including a dominant display in the G3 Gordon Stakes on his latest appearance.

New London soon disputed third on the outside of Haskoy as the duo tracked Lizzie Jean, with leader French Claim charting a wide course for the majority of the extended 14-furlong contest.

Haskoy took up the running as French Claim faded passing the three-furlong pole, but the lightly raced filly drifted on to the far rail two furlongs out, forcing Giavellotto to be snatched up.

New London meanwhile made his challenge towards the centre of the course and stayed on with fellow Dubawi colt Eldar Eldarov to press Haskoy over a furlong from home.

Eldar Eldarov and Haskoy went clear of New London inside the final furlong, with the Godolphin homebred rallying to see off Giavellotto near the line. Eldar Eldarov took the spoils, with Haskoy demoted to fourth from second for impeding Giavellotto.

Charlie Appleby said: “It was a good race from New London. William [Buick] said afterwards that he stayed the trip but would have been happier on a sounder surface. Take nothing away from the winner, who has outstayed us. It was a solid run from New London, who should develop into a nice four-year-old.”

William Buick said: “New London ran very well but is much better on quicker ground. You are always worried when the ground is like today [good to soft] because he is a class horse and a beautiful mover. I thought he stayed OK and he is just a horse who needs better ground. Once he gets those conditions, you will see him quicken.

“We had a smooth run round. New London is a very uncomplicated horse and we were challenging at the right time. I think the winner followed us and we have no complaints.”

Earlier on the same card, Al Suhail produced another pleasing effort over his optimum seven-furlong trip as he finished third in the G2 Park Stakes.

Last season’s G2 Challenge Stakes winner, making his second European appearance of the year for Charlie Appleby, broke smartly under William Buick and led the six runners.

Al Suhail increased the tempo as the field migrated towards the far rail approaching the final quarter-mile and rallied when Kinross moved up to dispute the running a furlong and a half out.

Kinross took control from Al Suhail passing the furlong-pole, with New Energy getting up for second in the closing strides.

Charlie Appleby said: “Al Suhail ran a good, solid race. We will look how he comes out of this and might think about heading back for the Challenge Stakes.”