July Festival: Nostrum makes big impression on return

Nostrum created a big impression when making all the running to win the Edmondson Hall Solicitors Sir Henry Cecil Stakes at Newmarket.

Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, the Kingman colt was one of last season’s leading juveniles, finishing third in the Dewhurst behind subsequent 2000 Guineas winner Chaldean – like Nostrum owned by Juddmonte.

Forced to miss the Guineas due to a minor setback, Nostrum was making his seasonal reappearance at Listed level but was still sent off the 11-10 favourite against some promising rivals.

Ryan Moore was happy to make the running, settling beautifully, and just like his sire he produced a smart turn of foot when needed.

Going into the dip, when Moore pressed the button the race was soon over and while the previously unbeaten Embesto gave chase, he was beaten by a comprehensive three lengths.

Stoute said: “It was everything I hoped to see. He had been off for nine months, but he was working very well.

“It looked a competitive field, so we weren’t confident of winning, but we knew he’d run very well.

“But he was most impressive. I was very pleased with him.

“He knocked a hind leg and he needed time to get the infection out and get him right again. The last three weeks we’ve been happy that he’d shown progressive improvement. Ryan liked him.”

Coral halved Stoute’s charge to 6-1 for the Qatar Sussex Stakes, but Stoute said: “I haven’t a clue yet where he will go. He could go a mile and a quarter when we want. We have to see how he comes out of it.

“He will tell us if he could go into Group One company next time, but on today’s evidence, I think he’s ready. I don’t know.

“His two-year-old career was brimfull of promise. Things didn’t quite right for him in the Dewhurst. He’s come here today and won impressively and we can only be very happy, because he is a nice, progressive horse.”

Roger Varian, trainer of the second Embesto (6-1) and third New Endeavour (11-1), said: “They both ran career bests I think. Credit to the winner, he must be a very good horse because I think this horse (Embesto) is very good. We had a lovely toe into the race and we couldn’t run (Nostrum) down, but I’m very pleased with both horses and I think both have nice futures.

“Embesto is a pretty smart horse and he might be ready to step up to 10 furlongs now. Let’s see how they come out of it - they haven’t won but they haven’t lost much in defeat and I think the winner must be very good.”

Earlier in the day Lady Jane Cecil opened the new Rose Terrace bar in the July Course’s Premier Enclosure in memory of the late Sir Henry Cecil.

The new bar is part of a multi-million pound redevelopment programme that has recently been completed behind the weighing room at the track.

Constructed alongside the Rose Terrace bar, which has an image of the Classic-winning trainer, who died 10 years ago, located inside it, is a new champagne bar below it, while upgrades have also been carried out on the course’s existing weighing room facilities.

Lady Cecil said: “I’m sure Henry would have really loved this spot. It is a brilliant view and I love the caption behind the bar in memory of him.

“Henry loved the July Course in full bloom. When you arrive at the track and you see the entrance with all the flags flying it is such a relaxing atmosphere. It puts a smile on your face.

“It’s hard to believe it was 10 years ago that he passed away. I feel very grateful that Newmarket have put on the Sir Henry Cecll Stakes which has become a really good race what with Baaeed winning it the other year.”

When it comes to memories Lady Cecil has of her late husband, who she married in 2008, of his most significant moments on the July Course she has selected three that stand out.

She said: “The Falmouth Stakes was an important race for Timepiece to win, especially for Prince Khalid. She did it so well that day and it was lovely to see.

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t here when Frankel won as I was in Deauville as the sales were on so I ended up watching the race from my hotel room. We were all looking forward to him having his first run as his work had been so good at home.

“It was not at the July Festival, but I remember when Wince won the 1000 Guineas in 1999 when they staged it here.

“It was a very special day and when Henry had a winner, the Newmarket crowd really got behind him.

“That day was a bit like how it was when Frankel won down at Ascot. The outpouring of love from the people of Newmarket was great. They loved seeing a Newmarket winner especially when it was one for Henry.”