Shock as 33-1 outsider wins 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket
Makfi ran out a shock 33-1 winner of the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket today, becoming the first French-trained horse to win the first Classic of the Flat season for 15 years.
Makfi, who was British bred by Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum but sold unraced at last year’s Tattersalls Horses-In-Training sale, had won both his starts before the Guineas for trainer Mikel Delzangles. He is by young Darley sire Dubawi.
“He won the French trial for the Guineas, the Prix Djebel, and I was hoping to run very well,” said Delzanges. “He’s a very quiet, cool horse but he can quicken.”
Makfi was ridden by Christophe Lemaire, who won the 1000 Guineas two years ago on Natagora.
The red-hot favourite, St Nicholas Abbey, disappointed in sixth, his trainer Aidan O’Brien saying he didn’t like the ground and was unsuited by the slow early pace. O’Brien’s other runners, Fencing Master and Viscount Nelson, finished seventh and 11th.
Richard Hannon trained the second and third home, Greenham Stakes winner Dick Turpin and Canford Cliffs.
Tomorrow’s 1000 Guineas could also go to France — the favourite is Special Duty, trained by Criquette Head-Maarek.
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A St Andrews’ graduate, Catherine joined Horse & Hound in 2002 and stayed for 11 years in a variety of roles until she went freelance in June 2013. She rejoined the team part-time in November 2016 as hunting editor. She pretty much lives on the hunting field or at the racecourse, but also loves eventing, as a journalist, press officer and competitor. She was H&H’s sole accredited journalist at the London Olympic Games and has reported from major race meetings and eventing, showjumping and dressage championships and shows round the world, and has hunted all over Britain and Ireland.