Henrythenavigator Secures Another Win
Aiden O’Brian could not have asked for a better horse racing season, and Henrythenavigator could not have performed any better. It seems to be a match made in heaven, as Henrythenavigator has not been able to disappoint his trainer in his last four starts. Going into the Grade 1 BGC Sussex Stakes, which was held at the Goodwood Racecourse, as the 4-11 favorite, he once again showed his endurance, strength and speed by winning the racing event in spectacular style.
Henrythenavigator’s victory at the Grade 1 BGC Sussex Stakes has given Aiden O’Brian his sixteenth Grade 1 victory, just ten more wins short of setting a new world record for Grade 1 victories taken in one year. Henrythenavigator also secured his fourth consecutive Grade 1 racing event, after winning twice at the Guineas and leaving spectators speechless at the Royal Ascot. With his performances seemingly improving with every event, there is great speculation as to where he will be competing next.
Windsor Palace, ridden by David McCabe and stable mate to Henrythenavigator, was sent out as a pacemaker, but even though he was flat out and giving it his all, it was a little too slow for the field and Henrythenavigator decided to take the situation into his own hands. Within a furlong, he quickly increased his speed to open up a two furlong lead over his competitors. Being so far in front worried O’Brian a bit, as he came in for the last stretch. Johnny Murtagh, Henrythenavigator’s jockey, said that he could feel that his mount was sensing Raven’s Pass, who was chasing him down, but was up for the challenge and held onto his lead to win by a head. Although disappointed at losing out to Henrythenavigator again, trainer of Raven’s Pass, John Gosden, was thrilled with his horse’s performance and the heart he showed to catch the race leader. He also commented lightheartedly,: “Henrythenavigator is a tough horse to give a length and a half start to but we are thrilled with our horse and thank goodness we turned up otherwise he would have won by four lengths!”
It has been suggested that Henrythenavigator will now be rested until the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, which is held in September. They are also looking at entering this spectacular steed into the Breeders’ Cup Classic in October at the Santa Anita Racecourse. Through his last few performances, Henrythenavigator has proven that he is indeed a champion horse, and no matter what the future holds, he will continue to perform to the best of his abilities.
