Viewers loved moment between Irish groom and City Of Troy after Juddmonte International win at York
The three-year-old added to his Derby and Coral-Eclipse wins as he broke the course record on the Knavesmire as York's Ebor meeting got under way
A beautiful moment was captured between groom David Hickey and City Of Troy after Aidan O'Brien's superstar won the Juddmonte International at York.
The three-year-old added to his Derby and Coral-Eclipse wins as he broke the course record on the Knavesmire as York's Ebor meeting got under way.
Tipperary groom Hickey shared a kiss with City Of Troy after the race as O'Brien described the son of Justify as "the best I have trained".
READ MORE: Aidan O'Brien targeting Breeders’ Cup Classic for City of Troy
READ MORE:Aidan O'Brien hails 'best I have trained' as City Of Troy sparkles at York
Many took to social media to express their delight for Hickey as they commented on the celebrations.
A post shared by World Pool read: "A moment that will last forever! You can see what CITY OF TROY’s win meant to his groom David Hickey."
Someone else wrote: "David Hickey love you man you epitomise what every lad cares about their horses impeccably."
Another comment read: "Showing love to the horse and a champion who feels the love."
One other person said: "The pride of a groom's heart are his horses, right? Super happy for him, heck of a win!!!"
City Of Troy jumped out alertly in the hands of Ryan Moore, with the rider eager to make the most of his Classic-winning stamina.
Royal Rhyme, City Of Troy’s stablemate Hans Andersen and Ghostwriter were in his immediate slipstream, with Japanese raider Durezza also close by, while those from further back were keen to work their way into contention swinging into the straight.
The Aga Khan’s Calandagan burst out of the pack to lay down his challenge and continue Francis-Henri Graffard’s fine season, but as both the French raider and City Of Troy scorched clear of the field, the Royal Ascot winner was unable to reel in Ballydoyle’s star performer as he broke the course record previously held by Sea The Stars.
City Of Troy crossed the line a length clear of Calandagan, with Clive Cox’s Ghostwriter claiming third, as the 5-4 favourite silenced any remaining doubters in scintillating style.
“I’m obviously always saying too much about him and they are saying he smashed the course record there and it didn’t go according to plan,” said O’Brien.
“Ryan decided to make the running on him and what an incredible ride he gave him.
“I’m so delighted for the lads and we always felt he was something very different. Things haven’t gone right for him some days, but he still overcomes them which makes it very special.
“He is a horse who loves to be up with the pace and a strong pace and he gets it really well. Everything he does, he stays, he is tough and we’re hoping the lads might go to the (Breeders’ Cup) Classic with him, that would be some dream.
“He has natural pace out the stalls like Giant’s Causeway had but quicker. What happened in the Guineas frightened us and we didn’t want to do that any more, we wanted to drop him in and teach him to relax and do all the right things.
“He did it with Ryan unplanned today, so it was in there wanting to come out. It was incredible what he did there and the last half of the race, what he was doing was incredible, I thought he went through the line really strong.
“He is the best I have trained and we thought that as a two-year-old, we always thought that. He is the most special horse we’ve ever had. We went off the road the first run this year and right into the swamp, but for him to come out of it and to get to where he is today is incredible.”
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