Tatterstall Musidora Stakes Victory for Joviality
Wednesday, 11 May 2011, was the running of the Tatterstall Musidora Stakes. It was hosted by the York Racecourse, and is a race for fillies that are three years of age. Run over a distance of 2 092 meters, the Musidora Stakes is a Grade 3 event that is generally used as a preparation race for the Epsom Stakes. Musidora was a thoroughbred that was trained in York, winning the Epsom Oaks in the year 1949 and being victorious in the 1 000 Guineas. The race was named in honor of this amazing racehorse and inaugurated in 1961.
Fans gathered in great anticipation as the fillies moved towards the starting gates of the 2011 Tatterstall Musidora Stakes. Arizona Jewel went off as the race favorite. But it ended up being a fast paced race and Arizona Jewel was not able to withstand the pressure, finishing in a fourth position. It did end up being a race and fight for supremacy between two great fillies, namely Joviality and Barefoot Lady. The final furlong felt like it took ages to complete as fans roared, with the two fillies neck and neck in the fight to the finish line. Fortunately, for Joviality and her jockey, William Buick, she was able to dig a little deeper than Barefoot Lady and cross the line of the Tatterstall Musidora Stakes victoriously.
Joviality is trained by John Gosden, and it goes without saying that he is tremendously happy with her performance. Most horses, as mentioned earlier, move on to the Epsom Oaks, but according to Gosden there is no certain plans as yet, to her next career start. He spoke to the media after the race saying that they are very happy with her training and performances this season, and that they brought Joviality to the Musidora Stakes for a reason. Gosden went on to say that her stamina has definitely improved and they might consider the French Oaks, also known as the Prix de Diane, for her next start. She also showed no signs of wanting to slow down her pace as she crossed the finish line, suggesting that she would probably be more than capable of taking on a twelve furlong race. Joviality won the Musidora Stakes with perfection and all eyes will be on her at her next start.
