Lion roars to Eclipse success at Sandown
Saturday 7 July 2018 14:58, UK
Roaring Lion battled on bravely to beat his old rival Saxon Warrior in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.
The two classy three-year-olds had the 10-furlong Group One to themselves and no quarter was given in the closing stages.
Hawkbill made the running from Forest Ranger, but the older horses had no answer to the younger generation who dominated the finish.
Roaring Lion (7-4 favourite), trained by John Gosden, passed the post in front by a neck under Oisin Murphy from Aidan O'Brien's charge ridden by his son, Donnacha.
A stewards' inquiry was called as the two protagonists came close in the final strides, but the placings remained unaltered.
Gosden told ITV Racing: "He rode him beautifully and very coolly. He got too far back, he knew that, and he didn't hurry to get back. It was a very good ride and I'm thrilled.
"I thought Saxon Warrior was magnificent, so all credit to Aidan O'Brien.
"He (Murphy) deserves it (a first British Group One win). He did very well to stay as cool as he did."
Murphy said: "Whenever a horse shifts off a line or anything small in a race, the stewards look into it.
"My horse has caused very little interference if any and clearly he was the best horse in the race. He's a very talented colt.
"There's a huge team at John Gosden's who deserve big-race success and I'm delighted.
"I went out in the race with a very open mind and full of confidence thanks to the owner and the trainer. Thankfully, we delivered."
