Pierre Royal surged ahead at the crucial moment, clinching the Bet365 Cambridgeshire at Newmarket in a dramatic finish. The four‑year‑old, trained by Adrian McGuinness, faced a nail‑biting wait as 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 emerged from the far side of the track. Jack Channon’s Crest Of Fire broke first under the guidance of Tom Marquand, but Pierre Royal, ridden by Mikey Sheehy, stayed close behind throughout the contest. The Irish colt, starting at 33‑to‑1, stayed on the heels of the leader and, in the final furlong, managed to pull ahead just enough to secure the win, while Crest Of Fire could only manage a narrow second place. Altareq, a long‑shot at 100‑to‑1, delivered a commendable performance for owners Jim Goldie and Lauren Young, finishing third after a strong run.
The race favourite, Gavriel, was the best of the near‑side contenders, taking fourth place. After the race, McGuinness explained his strategy and the conditions that suited Pierre Royal. "I wasn’t surprised by the result," he said, "because we have been training him on soft ground, which has been a challenge.
He finished third in the Irish Cambridgeshire on similar ground, and I knew we needed better footing here. We gave him a bit of a boost, and he responded brilliantly at the finish line." He added that the decision to travel to Newmarket was made only a week earlier. "We only finalized our plans last Monday.
He ran well in the Irish Cambridgeshire and then we gave him a mile‑and‑two race on soft ground, which didn’t suit him. The firm ground at Newmarket was exactly what he needed." McGuinness praised Pierre Royal’s temperament and physical attributes, noting how easy the horse is to manage. "He’s a wonderful horse to train. He handles travel well, eats a lot, and is generally very relaxed.
He just eats, sleeps, and drinks, which makes his daily routine straightforward." He also highlighted the team effort behind the colt’s success. "There’s a great group of lads working with him, and they’ve enjoyed every moment.
He’s paid his way handsomely, having been bought for only 48,000 guineas at the Newmarket sales last year." Speaking about the jockey, McGuinness said, "I instructed Mikey to settle at the back of the field because he had plenty of stamina left. In fairness to Mikey, one of his recent rides for me was a reserve that ended up winning the Galway Mile, proving he’s a top‑class rider." The trainer also touched on the timing of his purchase. "I only contacted his agent a few days ago to see if he was available because I wanted a horse that would bring me luck. He’s definitely top‑notch, and I’m thrilled to have him in my stable." The Cambridgeshire win marks a significant milestone for Irish training in British flat racing.
It demonstrates how strategic placement, careful ground selection, and a well‑managed training regime can combine to produce a classic victory. Pierre Royal’s performance also underscores the importance of patient development; despite being a modestly priced yearling, he has matured into a Group‑level competitor capable of beating seasoned rivals.
Looking ahead, McGuinness hinted that the colt’s connections will aim for more Group races this season, targeting events over similar distances where firm ground is likely. The win also boosts the profile of his owner, who sees the success as validation of their investment in young Irish talent.
For racing enthusiasts, the story offers a reminder that underdogs can triumph when conditions align, and that a well‑timed trip to a suitable venue can change a horse’s fortunes dramatically. Pierre Royal’s journey from a 33‑to‑1 outsider to a historic Cambridgeshire winner will be remembered as a testament to perseverance, expert training, and the right blend of horse and jockey.
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