Skip to main contentAccess keys helpA-Z index

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
| Help
---------------
CHOOSE A SPORT
RELATED BBC SITES
Last Updated: Saturday, 24 September 2005, 15:48 GMT 16:48 UK
Starcraft takes Newmarket victory
Starcraft, ridden by Christophe Lemaire
Australian challenger Starcraft claimed a notable success to take the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Newmarket.

The Prix du Moulin winner, ridden by Christophe Lemaire, took over the lead in the final couple of furlongs.

Although Dubawi, ridden by Frankie Dettori, moved to challenge, Lemaire kept his mount at the rail and held on for the win.

Much of the early running had been made by the Michael Jarvis-trained Rakti but he faded with three furlongs to go.

Dettori had switched Dubawi from the far side in the final couple of furlongs after the six-runner field had split into two groups and the decision almost paid dividends.

But Starcraft was always on top and held off the Godolphin challenger to claim a famous win

Lemaire was thrilled to have followed up his Group One victory at Longchamp earlier this month.

He fought very strongly
Starcraft's jockey Christophe Lemaire

"That is my first Group One in England - I am so happy and so proud. He was fantastic. He is just a really tough horse," he said.

"I knew it would be difficult to beat Dubawi but he showed today he is an exceptional horse.

"I was a little worried when the field split but I didn't panic, I let the horse go his way and I asked him to go on a little bit at the three furlong marker.

"He responded very well and fought very strongly."

Earlier, Nannina, ridden by Jimmy Fortune, just got the better of the well-fancied Alexandrova to win the Meon Valley Stud Fillies Mile.

The two horses fought out an exciting finish after they had shaken off the challenge of Nasheej.

It was the second big win for the John Gosden-trained two-year-old after her victory in last month's Group Three Prestige Stakes at Goodwood.

Much will be expected of the first two in next year's Classics.


Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
1. Starcraft (C P Lemaire) 7-2
2. Dubawi (L Dettori) 6-4 Fav
3. Blatant (K McEvoy) 100-1
6 ran. Dist: ¾, 1½

Meon Valley Stud Fillies Mile
1. Nannina (J Fortune) 5-1
2. Alexandrova (K Fallon) 11-4
3. Nasheej (R Hughes) 5-2 Fav
6 ran. Dist: sh-hd, 3



WATCH AND LISTEN
Interview: Starcraft trainer Luca Cumani



SEE ALSO
Winning comeback for Ouija Board
24 Sep 05 |  Horse Racing


RELATED BBC LINKS:

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


E-mail services | Sport on mobiles/PDAs

MMIX

Back to top

Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability sport | Olympics 2012 | Sport Relief | Other sport...

BBC Sport Academy >> | BBC News >> | BBC Weather >>
About the BBC | News sources | Privacy & Cookies Policy | Contact us
banner watch listen bbc sport