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Stunning Win for Duty First at Dubai Duty Free Stakes

In a remarkable display, Duty First produced a surprising 33-1 victory in the Dubai Duty Free Stakes at Newbury, showcased by a commanding performance under jockey Hollie Doyle.

The filly, trained by Archie Watson, had previously demonstrated promise during her juvenile season, notably securing third place in the prestigious Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket. However, going into this race, she faced strong competition from established contenders like Simmering, Heavens Gate, and the pre-race favorite, Mountain Breeze, which led many to question her chances.

Despite attempts by Mountain Breeze to take an early lead, her effort faltered and the other favored horses seemed to struggle throughout the race. Duty First, however, surged into contention with over a furlong remaining, and Doyle’s request for more speed met with instant results. While Time For Sandals, listed at 14-1, mounted a challenge, she ultimately slipped back into third place.

Instead, it was the 40-1 longshot Hey Boo who made an impressive move to clinch second place, delivering a standout career performance under trainer Jack Channon, finishing three and a quarter lengths behind Duty First.

Watson expressed his astonishment at the unexpected result, stating, “I don’t know if I was taken by surprise. It looked like a very strong field with genuine Group horses.” He noted that while the victory was surprising in its decisiveness, he was not completely taken aback by her capabilities, as she had been in excellent condition throughout the spring.

Watson mentioned that Duty First could potentially move up to a mile for the Guineas, despite her absence from the English Guineas list. He shared that she was initially intended to run in the Italian Guineas but indicated that those plans may change in light of her recent success. “After a performance like that, I imagine she will go to Newmarket,” he confirmed. He also expressed confidence in her adaptability, noting her previous experience at Goodwood.

Doyle echoed Watson’s sentiments, acknowledging Duty First’s formidable finish and anticipating further improvement with a longer distance. “She’s hit the line hard, and I think she will improve for the step up to a mile,” she remarked. Doyle reflected on the filly’s past performances, insisting that while she may not have been fully prepared last year, this season presents a promising opportunity for her development.

Channon spoke highly of Hey Boo’s performance, emphasizing her immaturity and the potential she exhibited during the race. “Our filly is still a big baby, but she travelled really sweetly,” he shared. Despite the challenges she faced with just two previous all-weather runs, he is optimistic about her future, confirming plans to enter her in the upcoming Guineas due to her high-class pedigree.

In a related note, Harry Eustace, trainer of the third-placed Time For Sandals, expressed that they will consider entering her in the Commonwealth Cup, given her solid form and potential for success in a race known for its competitive field of fillies. “We’ll have to see how she trains, but that stiff six at Ascot could be ideal for her,” Eustace concluded.

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