Ouija Prevails In Goodwood Thriller

Star mare Ouija Board had to call on all her many qualities to edge out Alexander Goldrun in an 'awesome' renewal of the Vodafone Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

Lord Derby's ultra-tough five-year-old went into the £200,000 Group One feature on the back of an unlucky run in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.

And to ensure there was no repeat of that performance Frankie Dettori soon had the even-money favourite racing on the heels of the leader, Chelsea Rose, with Alexander Goldrun held up in last place.

The Italian sent Ouija Board to the front fully three furlongs from home, a move which had the massive crowd on their feet.

Alexander Goldrun, however, had made smooth headway down the outside and soon headed Ed Dunlop's charge, going a neck up, but Ouija Board is nothing if not game and would not give in.

They went head-to head through the closing stages and it was not until the shadow of the post loomed large that Dettori forced Ouija Board's nose in front for a dramatic short-head victory.

Nannina kept on well for third two lengths away.

The contest provided a truly great spectacle for the packed stands and the two principals were given rapturous receptions, the like of which are normally reserved for the Cheltenham Festival, on their return to the unsaddling enclosure.

'It was an amazing race to watch and I'm lucky enough to train the winner,' said an ice-cool Dunlop, who also saddled Court Masterpiece to win the Sussex Stakes at the course on Wednesday.

'Both mares are great mares, they've won a lot of Group Ones between them and I hope everyone enjoyed it, it certainly sounded like they did.

'Alexander Goldrun wouldn't go away. She came there looking the winner. Ouija Board doesn't normally take it up that far out but great credit to both horses, it was a great race.

'Before the result was announced my initial reaction was that she'd run well and had put up another great performance.

'Frankie was excellent and if he had sat last he probably wouldn't have got there. I'm thrilled and congratulations go to the owners.

'I didn't give Frankie any instructions because we didn't know what to do as we knew we couldn't sit out the back like we have been doing.

'The reception she got when she came back in was fantastic. All plans we've made have been broken so we'll enjoy today and see how she is. Both mares have had a really hard race.'

Reflecting on his week, Dunlop continued: 'We've won the two Group Ones at Goodwood and it doesn't get any better than that. It's been a great week and I'll miss them when they are retired.'

Dettori, who was partnering his fifth winner of the meeting, described the win as 'emotional' and he added: 'The other mare went by me and as you know Ouija Board likes a target and she showed great guts and put her head down where it really matters.

'I knew it was close and I was hoping I'd be the winner.'

Explaining his tactics he said: 'She's won over a mile and a half and although she prefers a target I couldn't really afford a sprint with some of those good milers in the race so I made my way home.

'But Kevin came at me ? it was an absolutely great performance by the two fillies ? and the second has done nothing wrong, it's just a shame there had to be only one winner.

'She's one of the all-time favourite horses in England and full credit to Ed and Lord Derby, who has kept her in training. She's a special filly, one of a kind.

'She's up there with the best I've ridden. The last filly as good as this one was Balanchine and that was a few years ago.'

Her owner Lord Derby said: 'That was awesome. It was the hottest Nassau for years.

'It was wonderful to see two great and brave mares going for their sixth Group One wins.

'Ouija Board's consistency, big heart, big lungs and the bravery she displays make her what she is.'

Alexander Goldrun went down fighting in her attempt to win the race for the second year running.

Her trainer Jim Bolger said: 'I've never heard such applause for a runner-up

'I was very happy with the run. I always knew it would be tight and it was on the bob.

'The ground was not a problem, that is not an excuse. The intended target is the Irish Champion Stakes and I don't see anything beyond that at the moment.

'She's the best we've had for a couple of years and we'll miss her when she's not around, although it's not decided when she will be retired.'

John Gosden was delighted with Nannina's effort.

'She has run a blinder,' the Newmarket trainer said. 'She had to be switched for her run but finished very strongly to show she gets a mile and a quarter well.

'It was a pretty hot Nassau to put it mildly. A mile and a quarter is now rock solid for her. There are plenty of options in that department and the plan is to keep her in training next year.'

Earlier in the week it was revealed that Nannina had tested positive following her victory in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Gosden said: 'We're all completely mystified why a routine veterinary treatment, given for a little mucus on the lungs, should end up in the A-sample showing a trace.

'We did all the correct withdrawals, plus a day, so we were shocked by that.

'She ran off the same programme in the Falmouth and tested negative there so we're talking smidgens that don't affect a horse on raceday.

'In some ways this performance is compensation.'

(C) PA Sport