Defiantly produced a relentless staying performance at Goodwood on Friday to make amends for his narrow defeat at Royal Ascot, running out a convincing winner of the Coral Goodwood Handicap over two and a half miles.
The Joseph O’Brien-trained six-year-old had finished runner-up in the Ascot Stakes and returned to the Sussex track with a point to prove over the extended distance. Settled behind the early leader St Mawes in a well-stretched field, Defiantly travelled smoothly before Dylan Browne McMonagle began to increase the tempo approaching the final stages.
The rider sent his mount forward with more than half a mile remaining, and Defiantly responded generously, building a decisive advantage before the final furlong. The strong galloper maintained his rhythm all the way to the line and was never in serious danger of being caught.
Defiantly landed the Coral Goodwood Handicap with a three-length success, while Berkshire Sundance finished second and Gooloogong stayed on for third, a further five lengths behind.
The victory marked another step forward for Defiantly, who was winning from a rating of 98 and could now be considered for higher-level staying contests. Owned by an Australia-based syndicate, the gelding has shown steady improvement since stepping up in distance.
Defiantly’s Goodwood Handicap victory confirmed his reputation as one of the most progressive stayers of the season.
Browne McMonagle judged the race perfectly, allowing Defiantly to use his stamina rather than relying on a sharp burst of speed. The five-year-old’s ability to maintain a strong gallop over marathon trips proved decisive on the Goodwood course.
The jockey explained that Defiantly had always looked suited by the longer distance following his Royal Ascot effort, with the Goodwood layout allowing him to settle into a comfortable rhythm before stretching the field.
Attention now turns towards possible staying targets next season, with further improvement expected as Defiantly gains more experience over extended trips. His connections believe the horse still has plenty of scope to progress and could return to shorter staying distances if required.
Berkshire Sundance produced a career-best effort in second, while Gooloogong continued his excellent form across both codes. Trainer George Baker was encouraged by the performance, with longer-distance races and future jumping options now being considered for the versatile performer.
The result further strengthened Joseph O’Brien’s record with staying horses, as Defiantly showed the toughness and consistency required for the longest Flat contests.
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