“Paddington Is a Very Special Horse”: With His Latest Domination at Sussex, Paddington Stays True to His Lineage and Maintains His Perfect 2023 Record

A spectacular display of skill and speed unfolded at Goodwood, England. Paddington continued his undefeated season under the masterful guidance of trainer Aidan O’Brien. The Group 1 Sussex Stakes, with a purse of $1,272,595, witnessed Paddington’s dominance as he secured a spot in the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Mile with a win-and-you’re-in qualification.

Paddington is a 3-year-old colt, which is sired by Siyouni and partly owned by American Peter Brant. He has been making waves in the equestrian world since the start of the season. Emerging from a handicap race, Paddington has swiftly risen to become one of the most thrilling contenders in training and has converted that into his performances on the track.

Paddington’s rich race-track history

In his 8 career starts, Paddington boasts 7 first-place finishes and in 2023, he has a 6-for-6 record. Maintaining a flawless record, this recent triumph adds to his impressive streak of Group 1 victories in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, St. James’s Palace, and Eclipse Stakes. According to a Horse Racing Nation report, Paddington’s trainer, O’Brien said, “Paddington is a very special horse. We were worried about the ground even though he had won on heavy ground, not in this class of race. Ryan rode him for speed and held on to him and held on to him, but he was over the moon with him.” Clocking in at a time of 1:47.16 on a rain-soaked soft turf, the mile-long race showcased Paddington’s versatility and ability to excel in varying conditions.

Drawing parallels with past greats, O’Brien compared Paddington to the legendary Giant’s Causeway, who triumphed in the Sussex Stakes back in 2000. However, O’Brien emphasized that Paddington’s brilliance lies in his exceptional speed and tactical acumen, making him a force to be reckoned with on all types of ground. As the race came to a close, Paddington’s jockey, Ryan Moore, was almost lost for words when describing the colt’s capabilities. Peter Brant, the proud owner of Paddington, expressed his admiration for the remarkable colt. He said, “To win four Group 1 races in such a short span, while maintaining his grand form and gaining weight, is truly extraordinary.” His impressive track history made him a favorite going into Sussex, and he lived up to his hype despite some competition from other challengers.

Paddington’s Sussex win

Given his impressive record, Paddington was the favorite, but there was still some work left to do. Jockey Ryan Moore expertly guided the formidable colt back to a mile-long race. As the gates opened, Moore wasted no time in taking the lead. The first challenge came from Inspiral’s rider, the renowned Frankie Dettori. In a daring move, Dettori made an early push in the straight, aiming to secure a favorable position along the grandstand rail. However, even a multiple Group 1 winner like Inspiral couldn’t keep pace with Paddington’s relentless stride.

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The main challenge came from the U.S.-owned, France-raider Facteur Cheval. Undeterred by the competition, Paddington refused to back down. He pressed on, displaying his unwavering tenacity, and ultimately crossed the finish line with a decisive 1 1/2-length lead, claiming a triumphant victory. When the dust settled, Charyn who had emerged as a worthy contender, finished three lengths behind the dominant duo, securing a respectable third place in the race.

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