Dermot Farrington owned and bred Aclaim Wins the Group 2 Challenge Stakes at Newmarket.

Unbeaten since stepping up from six furlongs on his last two starts, Aclaim who had opened his black-type account on soft ground in Newbury’s Listed Dubai Duty Free Cup over seven furlongs last time Sept. 16 handled these contrasting conditions with aplomb to record a career-best. Anchored towards the rear of the stand’s-side group by Frankie Dettori as Lumiere (GB) (Shamardal) led overall in the centre, the 6-1 shot gained the lead passing the furlong pole and stayed on to win by a length from the long-time leader, with Jallota (GB) (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire}) a half length away in third. “I think he probably wants a bit more cut in the ground, but he was very courageous for me,” his rider said. “He’s done nothing wrong and that was a solid group two race. He can only improve.” Trainer Martyn Meade added, “He’s progressed and progressed and it is unlikely he’ll run again this year. He’s had time to mature and is a lovely healthy horse.”

Photo: Racing Post

1–@ACLAIM (IRE), 127, c, 3, Acclamation (GB)–Aris (Ire) (SP-Ire), by Danroad (Aus). (€130,000 Ylg ‘14 GOFORB).

O-Canning Downs & Dermot Farrington; B-D Farrington & Canning Downs(IRE); T-Martyn Meade; J-Lanfranco Dettori. £92,721. Lifetime Record: GSP-Ire, 9-5-0-1, £155,071.

Article from the TDN