Pierre Royal surged ahead at the crucial moment, clinching the bet365 Cambridgeshire at Newmarket in the final, desperate strides. The four‑year‑old, trained by Adrian McGuinness, faced a nail‑biting interval while officials verified the result, ultimately confirming that he had just edged out Crest Of Fire to become the first Irish‑trained horse to win the race this century. Both the winner and the runner‑up emerged from the far side of the track.
Jack Channon’s Crest Of Fire was the first to break clear, guided by jockey Tom Marquand, but Pierre Royal, ridden by Mikey Sheehy, stayed close behind throughout the contest. The Irish‑trained colt, sent off at 33‑to‑1, rallied in the last furlong, forcing Crest Of Fire to stumble and finish second. In a remarkable upset, Altareq, owned by Jim Goldie and trained by Lauren Young, produced a career‑best performance to finish third at odds of 100‑to‑1. The race favourite, Gavriel, proved the best of the near‑side contenders, taking fourth place.
After the race, McGuinness explained his strategy: "I wasn’t surprised by the outcome because we’ve been training Pierre Royal on softer ground, which has been a challenge for him. He placed third in the Irish Cambridgeshire on a yielding surface, and I knew we needed better ground here. We gave him a little boost, and I’m thrilled to see him cross the finish line first." He continued, "We only made the decision to travel to Newmarket last Monday.
He performed well in the Irish Cambridgeshire, then we stepped him up to a mile and two furlongs on soft ground, which didn’t suit him." McGuinness also praised the colt’s temperament: "He’s a wonderful horse to train—easy‑going, travels well, and has a huge appetite. He eats, sleeps, and drinks, and sometimes I think he gets a bit big because of it." He added, "There’s a fantastic team behind this horse.
They’ve enjoyed working with him, and he’s earned his keep. He was purchased for only 48,000 guineas at Newmarket last year, which now looks like a bargain." Reflecting on the race tactics, McGuinness said, "I instructed Mikey to settle at the back of the field because Pierre Royal had plenty of stamina left.
In fairness to Mikey, one of his recent rides for me was on a reserve horse that went on to win the Galway Mile – he’s a top‑class jockey." The victory marks a significant milestone for Irish training in British sprint races, underscoring the growing competitiveness of Irish‑trained thoroughbreds on the international stage. Pierre Royal’s win also highlights the importance of ground conditions; the softer going at Newmarket suited his running style, allowing him to unleash a powerful finishing burst.
The Cambridgeshire, a prestigious handicap over seven furlongs, often attracts a diverse field of sprinters and milers. This year’s edition featured a mix of seasoned campaigners and rising stars, with betting markets reflecting the unpredictable nature of the contest. Pierre Royal’s long odds made his triumph all the more surprising, but those familiar with his recent form recognized his potential on firmer ground. Trainer Adrian McGuinness, who has built a reputation for developing horses with a strong turn of foot, expressed his delight: "I’m thrilled to bring this trophy back to Ireland.
It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone involved – the stable staff, the jockey, and the owners. We’ll celebrate this achievement, but the plan is to keep progressing and aim for more Group races in the future." Mikey Sheehy, who has been riding Pierre Royal since the colt’s early days, shared his perspective on the ride: "From the start I knew we had a chance if we could settle and conserve energy. The pace was honest, and when the leader began to tire, I asked Pierre Royal for his final effort. He responded beautifully, and we managed to edge past Crest Of Fire in the closing stages." The race also provided a platform for other notable performances.
Altareq’s third‑place finish at 100‑to‑1 demonstrated that long‑shot horses can still deliver on big days, while Gavriel’s fourth place reaffirmed his status as a consistent performer among the near‑side runners. Fans and pundits alike praised the spectacle, noting the excitement generated by the close finish and the dramatic reversal of expectations. The Cambridgeshire will be remembered this year not only for Pierre Royal’s historic win but also for the high‑quality field and the tactical nous displayed by both trainers and jockeys.
Looking ahead, McGuinness hinted at potential targets for Pierre Royal, including upcoming sprint contests and possibly a step up in distance if the horse continues to show versatility. "We’ll assess his condition after a short break and then decide on the best path forward. He has a lot of talent, and I’m confident he can compete at the highest level," he said. For racing enthusiasts who want to stay updated on the latest news, interviews, and features, Sky Sports Racing offers a dedicated platform with comprehensive coverage, ensuring fans never miss a story from the world of thoroughbred racing.
In summary, Pierre Royal’s triumph in the bet365 Cambridgeshire not only broke a century‑long drought for Irish trainers in this race but also showcased the synergy of patient training, strategic riding, and optimal ground conditions. The victory adds a prestigious accolade to the colt’s résumé and sets the stage for an exciting future in top‑class sprinting.