A mix of relief and jubilation swept over Haydock Park on Saturday as trainer Mick Appleby embraced his team after Big Mojo powered to victory in the Group One Sprint Cup. The three-year-old colt, sent off at 16-1, provided Appleby with the crowning domestic success of his career, sparking celebrations among owner RP Racing, jockey William Buick, and the cheering crowd.
Big Mojo, a Mohaather colt, had narrowly missed Group One glory earlier this season, finishing runner-up in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai July Cup at Newmarket. Today, however, he left no doubts, crossing the line a length and a quarter ahead over six furlongs to secure his first top-level triumph on British soil.
Trainer Mick Appleby Reflects on Big Mojo’s Victory
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Appleby, visibly emotional. “We had a few question marks after his fifth-place finish at Glorious Goodwood, but he has now shown he’s top-class. The team and I are over the moon.”
Owner Paul Teasdale echoed the sentiment: “We knew he had it in him. Today, everything just clicked — the draw, the ride, the ground. William gave him a flawless performance. Mick has done an incredible job getting him here.”
Jockey William Buick Praises Big Mojo’s Performance
Jockey William Buick, whose patient ride proved decisive, added: “It all came together perfectly. He was smooth throughout, and once he got clear, he just kept going. It’s days like this you remember — a proper Group One performance from a proper horse.”
Big Mojo and the Competition
For the second year running, Kind Of Blue (12-1) finished as runner-up. Trainer James Fanshawe was encouraged by the four-year-old Blue Point colt’s return to form and hinted at a potential target at Ascot for the QIPCO British Champions Sprint. “He ran really well,” Fanshawe said. “Ascot will be our next stop.”
Flora Of Bermuda (22-1) claimed third place by a nose, with trainer Anna Lisa Balding praising the filly’s consistency at the highest level. “She’s a superstar,” Balding said. “Third in another Group One is magnificent, and we couldn’t be happier for Mick and the owners.”
Big Mojo Sets Sights on Future Group Ones
Big Mojo’s triumph not only marks a career milestone for Appleby but also underscores his potential for further top-level contests, including Champions Day at Ascot and possibly the Abbaye. With a pedigree and form to match, the colt is now firmly on the radar of domestic and international sprint enthusiasts.
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