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, endured a tense wait as officials reviewed the photo‑finish, 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, with Jack Channon’s Crest Of Fire initially taking the lead under jockey Tom Marquand. However, Pierre Royal, ridden by Mikey Sheehy, stayed close behind throughout the race, applying relentless pressure.
In the final strides, the 33‑to‑1 outsider accelerated, forcing Crest Of Fire to the edge of the finish line and securing a narrow victory. Altareq, a long‑shot at 100‑to‑1, produced a remarkable performance for owners Jim Goldie and Lauren Young, finishing third after a hard‑fought run.
The race favorite, Gavriel, was the best of the near‑side contenders, ending up in fourth place. After the race, McGuinness expressed his satisfaction, noting that the win was not entirely unexpected given the horse’s preference for softer ground.
"We’ve been training him on soft going and it’s been a challenge," he said. "He placed third in the Irish Cambridgeshire on similar ground, so I knew the better ground here would suit him. We gave him a good run and I was thrilled when he crossed the line first." He added that the decision to target the Cambridgeshire was made only a week earlier. "We decided to go for it last Monday.
He performed well in the Irish Cambridgeshire, then we gave him a mile‑and‑two race on soft ground, which didn’t suit him as well. This race was the perfect opportunity for him to showcase his ability on firmer turf." McGuinness also praised Pierre Royal’s temperament and physical attributes.
"He’s a wonderful horse to train – very manageable, travels well, and has a great appetite. He eats, sleeps, and drinks without fuss, which makes his preparation straightforward. He’s a big lad, but his size works to his advantage on the track." He highlighted the support network behind the horse, noting the dedication of the stable staff. "We have a fantastic team working with him, and they’ve enjoyed every moment.
He’s earned his keep, having cost only 48,000 guineas at the Newmarket sales last year, yet he’s already repaid that investment many times over." Regarding the race tactics, McGuinness explained his instructions to Sheehy. "I told Mikey to keep Pierre Royal relaxed at the back of the field, as he had plenty of stamina left. In fairness to Mikey, one of his recent rides was a reserve mount that went on to win the Galway Mile – he’s a top‑class jockey and knows how to time his runs perfectly." The victory was celebrated by Sky Sports Racing, which highlighted the significance of the win for Irish training. "This marks a historic moment, as Pierre Royal becomes the first Irish‑trained horse to capture the Cambridgeshire in the 21st century," the network reported.
"The win underscores the growing strength of Irish trainers on the British racing scene." McGuinness reflected on the acquisition of Pierre Royal, describing the process as serendipitous. "I only contacted his agent a few days ago to see if he was available. I wanted a horse that could bring a bit of luck, and Pierre Royal has proven to be top‑notch.
His talent and character make him a standout in the stable." The Cambridgeshire win not only adds a prestigious Group race to Pierre Royal’s résumé but also enhances his future breeding prospects. With a victory at Newmarket, his value as a potential sire is likely to increase, offering new opportunities for his connections. The race also demonstrated the effectiveness of strategic placement and patient training, as McGuinness and his team tailored the horse’s campaign to suit his strengths. Overall, Pierre Royal’s triumph is a testament to careful preparation, adept riding, and the synergy between horse and trainer.
It serves as an inspiring example for other owners and trainers aiming to compete at the highest level, showing that with the right conditions and a bit of patience, even a relatively modestly priced horse can achieve greatness on the world stage.