Pierre Royal surged forward at the crucial moment, clinching the bet365 Cambridgeshire at Newmarket in the final strides of the race. The four‑year‑old, trained by Adrian McGuinness, had to endure a tense waiting period while officials verified the result, ultimately confirming that he had narrowly beaten Crest Of Fire to become the first Irish‑trained horse to win the event this century.
Both the winner and the runner‑up emerged from the same side of the track, the far side, where Jack Channon’s Crest Of Fire initially broke ahead under the guidance of jockey Tom Marquand. However, the lead was short‑lived as the pair was closely pursued throughout the finish line by Pierre Royal, ridden by Mikey Sheehy. The 33‑to‑1 outsider managed to stay within striking distance and, in the closing moments, forced Crest Of Fire to relent, allowing Royal to cross the line first.
Altareq, representing Jim Goldie and Lauren Young, delivered a remarkable performance to secure third place at odds of 100‑to‑1, while the race favourite, Gavriel, was the best of the near‑side contenders, finishing fourth. After the race, McGuinness expressed his satisfaction, noting that the result was not entirely unexpected given the horse’s preference for firmer ground.
"We have been training him on soft going and it has been a struggle," he said. "He placed third in the Irish Cambridgeshire on soft ground, so I knew we needed better footing here.
We gave him a good run and I’m thrilled to see him back from the winning post." He continued, explaining the decision to target the Newmarket race: "We only confirmed our plans last Monday. He performed well in the Irish Cambridgeshire, then we tried a mile and two furlongs on soft ground and he didn’t handle it. The softer surface just isn’t his forte." McGuinness also praised the colt’s temperament and management.
"He’s a wonderful horse to train – very low‑maintenance. He travels well, eats well, and basically lives to eat, sleep and drink. The team around him is fantastic, and they’ve enjoyed every moment with him.
He’s already paid his way back, having cost just 48,000 guineas at Newmarket last year." He added further insight into the race tactics: "I instructed Mikey to sit off the pace because the horse had plenty of stamina left. In fairness to Mikey, one of his recent rides for me was a spare on a reserve that went on to win the Galway Mile – he’s a top‑class jockey." The victory marks a significant milestone for Irish training in the Cambridgeshire, a race traditionally dominated by British stables. It also highlights the growing influence of Irish owners and trainers on the British flat racing scene, where strategic placement of horses on suitable ground can make the difference between a win and a loss. Mikey Sheehy, who rode Pierre Royal to victory, reflected on the partnership: "I knew the horse had a lot of turn of foot, and once we got a clear run, it was all about timing.
The finish was a real test of nerve, but the horse responded beautifully." The race also underscored the unpredictable nature of betting markets. While Pierre Royal entered as a 33‑to‑1 outsider, his win will reward those who backed him early and demonstrate the value of scouting horses that may be undervalued due to recent form on unsuitable surfaces.
Fans of Sky Sports Racing can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action. In summary, Pierre Royal’s triumph at Newmarket not only adds a prestigious Cambridgeshire title to his résumé but also cements Adrian McGuinness’s reputation as a trainer capable of preparing horses to excel under optimal conditions. The win serves as a reminder that patience, careful ground selection, and a supportive team can turn a modestly priced colt into a historic champion.