Pierre Royal surged forward at the decisive moment, clinching the Bet365 Cambridgeshire at Newmarket in a dramatic finish. The four‑year‑old, trained by Adrian McGuinness, endured a tense waiting period while officials verified the result, ultimately confirming that he had 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 originated from the far side of the track. Jack Channon’s Crest Of Fire was the first to break clear, guided expertly by jockey Tom Marquand. However, the lead did not last long; Pierre Royal, ridden by Mikey Sheehy, stayed close behind, applying relentless pressure. The Irish contender, a 33‑to‑1 outsider, stayed within striking distance and, in the final strides, managed to overtake Crest Of Fire, forcing the latter to settle for second place.
The third‑place finisher was Altareq, who delivered a remarkable performance for owners Jim Goldie and Lauren Young, coming home at 100‑to‑1 odds. The race’s pre‑race favourite, Gavriel, proved the best of the near‑side contingent, finishing fourth.
After the race, McGuinness reflected on the outcome: “I wasn’t surprised at all. We’ve been training Pierre Royal on softer ground, which has been a challenge for him. He placed third in an Irish Cambridgeshire on similar ground, and I told the team we’d target Newmarket for the firmer surface. The horse responded beautifully, and I was thrilled to see him cross the line first.” He added further context about the horse’s recent campaign: “We made the decision to come to Newmarket only last Monday.
Pierre Royal ran well in the Irish Cambridgeshire, then we gave him a mile‑and‑two run on soft ground, which didn’t suit him. The softer going really hampered his stride, so the move to Newmarket’s firmer turf was the right call.” McGuinness praised the colt’s temperament and physical attributes, noting, “He’s a wonderful horse to train.
He’s easy‑going, travels well, and has a simple appetite – he eats, sleeps, and drinks without fuss. He’s also a big lad, which sometimes means he can be a bit stubborn, but his willingness to work makes him a pleasure in the yard.” He also highlighted the investment and support behind the horse: “Pierre Royal cost just 48,000 guineas at Newmarket last year, and the team around him has been fantastic. The lads in the stable have given him a great environment, and he’s repaid that with a win that will go down in Irish racing history.” Discussing jockey Mikey Sheehy’s role, McGuinness said, “I instructed Mikey to sit off the pace early because Pierre Royal had plenty of stamina left in the tank. Mikey is a top‑class rider; one of his recent rides was on a reserve horse that went on to win the Galway Mile.
His experience and tactical sense were crucial in timing the move that secured the victory.” The win also underscores the growing influence of Irish trainers in British classic and Group races. Pierre Royal’s triumph marks a significant milestone, demonstrating that Irish‑trained horses can compete and succeed at the highest level on the British stage, especially when the conditions suit their strengths.
For racing fans who want to stay up‑to‑date, the latest news, interviews, and feature stories are now available on mobile platforms, ensuring that the excitement of the sport can be followed wherever you are. Sky Sports Racing continues to provide comprehensive coverage, from race replays to in‑depth analysis of performances like Pierre Royal’s. McGuinness concluded with a personal note about his connection to the horse: “I’m delighted to have Pierre Royal in my stable.
I only contacted his agent a few days ago to see if he was available, and I was fortunate to secure him. He’s a top‑notch horse, and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to train him. The future looks bright, and I’m confident we’ll see more success together.” The victory not only adds a prestigious trophy to Pierre Royal’s résumé but also reinforces the strategic importance of selecting the right ground conditions and race placement.
By targeting a race where the surface matched his preferences, McGuinness and his team maximized the colt’s chances, turning a long‑shot gamble into a historic win for Irish racing.