Henrythenavigator too good in Sussex Stakes

Aidan O’Brien’s Henrythenavigator continued his brilliant run of form at the 2008 Glorious Goodwood festival yesterday, trouncing a field of hopefuls to take the Group One Sussex Stakes.

Henrythenavigator raced into the lead over the first furlong, and won the race by several lengths despite some good running over the last furlong by Jimmy Fortune on Raven’s Pass.

Henrythenavigator adds the Sussex Stakes to an impressive title collection for the season, with the 2,000 Guineas and Irish 2,000 Guineas already to his name. His win presented Aidan O’Brien with his 16th Group One race win of the season.

Johnny Murtagh, who has partnered Henrythenavigator in all of his big wins, told Channel 4 Racing: “The good ones have everything. They couldn’t go fast enough for him. I had a nice position and when he quickened up he quickened really well - I’d say the time for the last two furlongs would have been exceptional.”

“When I went by the others I went to the rail and I was in front soon enough on him. He sensed Jimmy coming and was up for the battle. He’s a great horse and he won easily at the line. He won’t be beaten this year.”