Notable Speech returned to top form to capture his sixth Group One triumph in the Sky Bet City of York Stakes, reaffirming his status as a premier middle‑distance runner. The chestnut colt, trained by Charlie Appleby, has been a consistent high‑class performer over the past three seasons, amassing an impressive résumé that includes the 2024 2000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes, the 2025 Woodbine Mile and Breeders' Cup Mile, and the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury earlier this spring. Despite a puzzling sixth‑place finish as the favourite in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June—a race that proved to be a rare off‑day—Notable Speech bounced back when the distance was shortened to seven furlongs on the Knavesmire. Although the ground was softer than his ideal firm surface, the horse displayed his true class under the steady hands of regular jockey William Buick.
Buick guided the colt from the gate with a strong, steady rhythm, then asked for a decisive acceleration, pulling away by two and three‑quarter lengths from the nearest challenger to win as the 9‑4 favourite. Appleby praised the horse after the race, saying, "You have to admire him. You get good horses that can win at two and three, but when they continue to succeed at four and five you really have to tip your hat to them.
We’re fortunate to be allowed to keep these horses in training, thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and the Godolphin team, because it would be far easier to retire a horse of his calibre early." He continued, "The likes of Modern Games and Space Blues could have gone to stud much sooner. Rebel's Romance was a gelding, so his situation was different, but if I owned a mare I would be the first to send her to a stallion that has won Group Ones at three, four and five." Appleby also highlighted the importance of the new seven‑furlong Group One race for the UK racing calendar, noting that a victory by a horse of Notable Speech's reputation should raise the profile of the event and attract further high‑quality entries. Looking ahead, Appleby indicated that the next target for the chestnut will be a second Breeders' Cup campaign. He said, "I spoke to a few people from the Breeders' Cup earlier today.
What’s encouraging about today’s performance is that he showed versatility on ground that was a little softer than ideal. Going to Keeneland, we might face more autumnal conditions, so this run gives us confidence that we can head straight to the Breeders' Cup now." The broader racing programme was also discussed in the broadcast on Sky Sports Racing, which featured British contenders Into The Sky and Mitbaahy at Deauville, as well as updates on upcoming ante‑post picks for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and the St Leger.
In other news, Galopin Des Champs was retired, with owner Audrey Turley lauding the horse as "one of a kind" after a distinguished career that included a Cheltenham Gold Cup victory. Trainer William Haggas offered a measured view on the possibility of entering his colt Infraad in the Betfred St Leger. Infraad, who had recently won the Sky Bet Melrose Handicap at York, has shown steady improvement over his five‑race career, most notably a mile‑and‑a‑half win at Glorious Goodwood.
Haggas entered the horse in a prestigious £180,000 contest over a mile and three‑quarters, a distance he has won three times before, and Infraad started as a joint‑favourite at 100‑30 alongside Joseph O'Brien's Limestone. Both market leaders were prominent in the final furlong, but Infraad proved the most resilient, pulling away to finish two lengths clear of Galilean Quality, with Limestone fading to fifth. Haggas commented, "He’s improving but he’s still quite raw.
He was a bit juvenile before the race and a little edgy, so there’s still a lot to learn. Tom said he’s relentless when he gets going and he won comfortably." Despite the victory, Haggas cautioned against rushing the colt into the St Leger, noting that bookmakers had cut Infraad's odds to 8‑1 from 16‑1 for the race at Doncaster next month.
He likened the situation to a previous Highclere horse, Guaranteel, who won the Leger too early in his career and subsequently struggled. "I suspect the Leger would come too soon for Infraad as well, and he’s more likely to aim for the Noel Murless at Ascot. I don’t like putting a gun to a horse’s head too early, especially a big, raw horse who could develop into a solid performer for several years.
Let’s not squeeze the lemon dry too early. He’s only just getting the hang of the distance, so hopefully he’ll evolve into a true Cup horse," Haggas added. For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories, the sport’s digital platforms now offer a dedicated mobile experience, ensuring that every development—from Group One victories to retirement announcements—can be followed in real time.
The continued success of horses like Notable Speech underscores the depth of talent within Godolphin’s ranks and highlights the strategic patience of trainers who aim to maximize a horse’s career longevity while chasing historic achievements across multiple seasons.