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 waiting period while officials verified that he had narrowly beaten Crest Of Fire, making him 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, with Jack Channon’s Crest Of Fire initially taking the lead under jockey Tom Marquand. However, Pierre Royal, piloted by Mikey Sheehy, stayed in close pursuit throughout the race.
In the final furlongs, the 33‑to‑1 outsider rallied strongly, forcing Crest Of Fire to stumble and ultimately finish second. Altareq, representing owners Jim Goldie and Lauren Young, produced a remarkable performance to secure third place at odds of 100‑to‑1.
The race favourite, Gavriel, was the best of the near‑side contenders, finishing fourth. After the race, McGuinness explained his strategy, noting that the horse had been trained on softer ground, which had been a challenge. "I wasn’t surprised by the result because we’ve been working him on soft going, and it’s been a real test for him. He placed third in the Irish Cambridgeshire on similar ground, and I knew we needed better footing here.
We gave him a good effort, and I was thrilled to see him cross the line first," he said. He added, "We only decided to travel to Newmarket last Monday. He ran well in the Irish Cambridgeshire, then we gave him a mile‑and‑two run on soft ground, which didn’t suit him perfectly." McGuinness also praised the horse’s temperament and physical attributes, describing Pierre Royal as a pleasure to train. "He’s a wonderful horse, very manageable, and he travels well.
He eats, sleeps, and drinks like a champion. Sometimes he can get a bit big, but that’s part of his character," the trainer remarked. The trainer highlighted the support network surrounding the horse, noting the dedication of the stable staff. "There’s a great team behind him, and they’ve enjoyed every moment with this colt.
He’s earned his keep, especially after we paid only 48,000 guineas for him at the Newmarket sales last year." Regarding jockey Mikey Sheehy, McGuinness said, "I instructed Mikey to sit back and conserve his energy because Pierre had plenty of stamina. In fairness, Mikey’s recent rides include a surprise win on a reserve horse in the Galway Mile, proving he’s a top‑class rider." The victory was celebrated not only for its immediate impact but also for its broader significance to Irish racing.
It marked a milestone for Irish trainers competing in one of Britain’s most prestigious sprint races, showcasing the growing quality of Irish‑trained thoroughbreds on the international stage. Fans of the sport can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and features through mobile platforms, ensuring they never miss a story. The race’s outcome also sparked discussions about the importance of ground conditions, training strategies, and the role of experienced jockeys in high‑stakes events.
McGuinness concluded with a personal note about his acquisition of Pierre Royal. "I’m thrilled to have this horse. I only contacted his agent a few days ago to see if he was available, and I wanted someone who would bring luck to my stable.
He’s truly top‑notch," he said. The win adds to the growing list of Irish successes abroad and underscores the dedication of trainers, owners, and jockeys who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
As the racing calendar progresses, Pierre Royal’s Cambridgeshire triumph will be remembered as a testament to perseverance, strategic planning, and the seamless partnership between horse and rider.