The famed ‘Glorious Goodwood’ saw some impressive performances across the five-day meet – however, it was Nashwa’s come from behind victory in the Nassau Stakes which arguably stole the show.
This three-year-old is undoubtedly in exceptional form. Having won four of her last five, the John and Thady Gosden-trained filly’s brilliance was on full display in her most recent outing at Goodwood. Entering the race as the horse betting favourite – expectations were high given the showing she put forth a month prior at Chantilly – where she proved too strong to beat 50/1 long shot La Parisienne and the ever-threatening Rosacea.
She delivered in spades, putting on a memorable performance in the Group 1 affair that will forever be etched in Goodwood Festival folklore. Trailing at the back of the pack for the majority of the race, Nashwa showed an incredible turn of foot by storming down the outside with three furlongs remaining to beat respected fillies Aristia and Lilac Road with relative comfort.
Although Nashwa’s distinct ability to stay balanced when kicking into gear was evident in her victory, her remarkable run was in large part aided by a fantastic ride courtesy of jockey Hollie Doyle. The 25-year-old is quickly making a name for herself within the sport – and if she continues her rich vein of form, don’t be surprised if she establishes herself as the Gosdens’ first choice jockey in the near future.
Doyle’s win in the Nassau Stakes ensured that she was the first flat jockey to secure 100 wins this season, providing further credence to her standing as one of the elite riders in the sport. Her fourth career Group 1 triumph at Goodwood also solidified her positioning in the Flat Jockeys Championships – with her currently sitting comfortably in second place behind the esteemed William Buick.
Doyle was ecstatic when asked about her Nassau Stakes victory, noting that she believes Nashwa is a “horse of a lifetime”.
“We were drawn badly today,” she said.
“I rode her aggressively in France as we had a good draw so I wanted to hold my position. Today, in between her work from her previous run, she knows what she is doing here.
“So, I didn’t want to light her up and ride her from a pace angle, so Mr Gosden told me to ride her that way today.
“I came down the hill with a double handful and she travels very well, but she takes a while to hit top gear. I was conscious about keeping her balanced down the hill.
“This is her perfect trip (10 furlongs). She has a high cruising speed and sees it out very well. She is push button and you can ride her anywhere which is really nice.”
With her Glorious Goodwood success further catapulting Nashwa back into racing’s national spotlight, all eyes will be on what owner Imad Al Sagar decides to do next with his in-form filly. Al Sagar has hinted at entering her in the Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp in October, along with the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland the following month.