Talk Of New York announced his arrival among the leading performers of his generation with an authoritative victory in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on British Champions Day, delivering a major success for trainer Charlie Appleby, jockey William Buick and Godolphin.
The three-year-old produced an impressive turn of foot to settle the contest after travelling comfortably in midfield. Buick brought him into contention at the two-furlong pole, and Talk Of New York responded decisively, accelerating clear of his 10 rivals to establish a winning advantage that his challengers could not overcome.
Ten Bob Tony finished second for trainer Ed Walker and jockey Kieran Shoemark, while Rayif secured third place for Francis-Henri Graffard and Christophe Soumillon. Ten Bob Tony finished one and a quarter lengths behind the winner, with Rayif a neck further back. Gstaad, the 7/4 favourite, finished eighth after failing to mount a serious challenge.
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes victory marked another significant step in Talk Of New Yorks development following a progressive campaign that included Listed and Group 2 successes. He had also finished third in the Group 1 St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, demonstrating his ability against high-class opposition before delivering his biggest success of the season.
Talk Of New York Rewards Godolphins Patience with Group 1 Triumph
Appleby praised the colts development and credited the team that had helped him channel his natural ability. He also singled out Maurizio Pasquale for maintaining his belief in the horse during the earlier stages of his career, when his headstrong temperament presented a challenge.
The trainer explained that Talk Of New York had become noticeably more mature, both mentally and physically. His calmer behaviour in the paddock had offered encouraging signs before the race, while his performance on the track confirmed the progress made by the three-year-old.
Appleby was particularly pleased with the way Buick positioned the colt behind the pace before delivering his challenge. Talk Of New York travelled strongly into the straight, found the necessary acceleration and maintained his momentum after hitting the front.
The trainer also acknowledged Sheikh Mohammed and the Godolphin team for giving the horse time to develop rather than rushing his progress. He believed the colt had arrived with considerable natural talent and had benefited from a patient approach.
Appleby also raised the possibility of a future challenge over a mile at Belmont next year, suggesting that the American venue could provide an interesting target for the rising star.
Buick described Talk Of New York as a highly talented horse who had taken time to learn but had begun to fulfil his potential. He credited Appleby and the team for their work and highlighted the colt’s growing maturity as an important factor behind his performance.
The jockey also praised the quality of British Champions Day, where the depth of competition made victories at the highest level particularly rewarding.
Ten Bob Tony and Rayif Complete the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Places
Ten Bob Tony continued his consistent campaign with a determined second-place finish. Walker expressed pride in the geldings effort and felt his runner had continued closing on the winner throughout the final stages.
The trainer believed Talk Of New York had gained the decisive advantage through his sharper acceleration when Buick asked him to quicken. Ten Bob Tony responded strongly but could not bridge the gap before the finish.
Walker also faced a decision over whether to send Ten Bob Tony to the Breeders Cup in Kentucky. With the gelding having endured a demanding season, he acknowledged that another international trip would require careful consideration. He stressed the importance of protecting the horses long-term interests rather than extending the campaign unnecessarily.
Rayif finished third after making late progress from a position further back than connections had intended. The colt settled during the early stages before producing a sustained effort over the final two furlongs, closing the gap without threatening the winner.
Lisa Jane Graffard said the performance had been encouraging, particularly given the horses limited experience. Rayif had made only his fourth start of the season and seventh career appearance, while the journey to Ascot represented a new experience for him.
Connections remained positive about his ability and future prospects but ruled out a Breeders Cup appearance, leaving further discussions about his next campaign until after the race.
Gstaad, who started as the 7/4 favourite, finished eighth after failing to produce his usual response. Trainer Aidan OBrien suggested that the colt might have reached the limit of a demanding season, having appeared tired and struggled to accelerate when asked.
OBrien explained that the team had not expected such a performance but acknowledged that the horse had already completed a substantial campaign. He said Gstaad needed time to recover before connections decided whether he would return to racing or move to a stallion career.
The colt remained a valuable prospect for the future, and OBrien indicated that he would welcome another campaign if connections chose to keep him in training.
Talk Of New York secured a commanding Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes victory at Ascot for Charlie Appleby, William Buick and Godolphin. Ten Bob Tony finished second and Rayif took third, while favourite Gstaad ended the race in eighth.
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