Barney Roy clinched the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis to take Godolphin’s worldwide Group 1 tally to 10 for the year on Sunday at the Munchen racecourse in Germany.
The Charlie Appleby-trained Excelebration gelding, under William Buick, produced a strong late run from the back of the field to beat local entry Quest The Moon and Joseph O’Brien’s Patrick Sarsfield by a neck and one and-a-quarter lengths, respectively.
Barney Roy’s latest success took his Group 1 prizes to three after the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2017 and the Jebel Hatta at the Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan on March 7.
It was also his third win for the year after the Group 2 Al Rashidiya at Meydan on January 30. He was third behind Lord North and Addeyb in the Group 1 Prince Of Wales's Stake at Royal Ascot on June 17.
“There was a strong pace from the start and it developed into two races,” Appleby told the Godolphin website.
“William would have liked to have sat fourth, so we were a bit further back than we wanted to be on this ground. I thought the local horses ran very well because stamina came into play.
“We were coming here hoping for good to firm ground but the rain this morning was a bit of a negative for both Barney Roy and Spotify.
“The testing ground wouldn’t have suited Barney Roy at all but he has got the job done and all credit to everyone involved. Going forward, we are probably going to have a look at campaigning him in Australia now.
“We are thankful to Munich for putting the race on and allowing us to come, and the sponsor as well.
“These are very challenging times for everyone but we are delighted to be able to come here and win a Group 1 race for Godolphin. We very much appreciate everyone’s support.”
Barney Roy trailed in the seven-runner field for much of the 10-furlong trip before coming out best at the end.
“It was a very tough race” Buick added. “We thought beforehand that the German horses set a good standard and they were at home.
“When the rain came this morning, we were a little concerned for Barney Roy because all of his best form is on fast ground. I thought he struggled on the ground from a long way out but his courage and ability allowed him to win the race. He is a high-class horse.
“We thought that there would be a good pace and Barney Roy jumped a little slow from the gates.
“were probably positioned one place further back than I wanted to be but he was comfortable and relaxed. I followed Quest The Moon and I knew that he would take me into the race nicely, so I got a good lead from him.”
