Sir Michael Stoute and leading owners Juddmonte have enjoyed numerous successes together over the years, and with Jonquil, they might close their longstanding partnership on a high note.
Stoute, who has announced his retirement at the end of the season, has one final opportunity to showcase his talents before the year ends. Jonquil, a homebred son of Lope De Vega from the Juddmonte stable, could emerge as a rising star.
Jonquil made an impressive debut at Sandown, overcoming a difficult position to win decisively. He now steps up to the Listed company for the Betfred Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster on Friday.
Stoute and Juddmonte previously won this race with Sangarius in 2018, and it’s no surprise that Stoute is the most successful trainer in the Town Moor contest’s history, with five victories in the seven-furlong event.
Jonquil aims to make it six for Stoute, having shown promising signs since his debut at Esher. Barry Mahon, European racing manager for Juddmonte, said: "It’s a quick turnaround, but Jonquil came out of Sandown in great shape. He was very fresh the next morning, and the team at Sir Michael’s has been pleased with his subsequent work."
Mahon added, "We’re excited to see him step up, and his debut win was impressive. He showed a lot of determination and streetwise qualities. Hopefully, he can build on that."
Juddmonte’s partnership with Stoute has spanned nearly 25 years. Since Comfy won the Acomb Stakes in 2001, Stoute has trained over 50 stakes winners for the Abdullah family’s racing operation. Their pinnacle was the Derby and Arc double with Workforce in 2010, with Ryan Moore, who will ride Jonquil at Doncaster, in the saddle for both victories.
Mahon remarked, "Sir Michael is undoubtedly one of the best British trainers of the last century, and he’s trained some outstanding horses for us. It’s fitting for him to go out on his own terms and hopefully with a high note from Jonquil."
Another success story from the Stoute-Juddmonte collaboration was Expert Eye, who went on to join the Juddmonte stallion roster after notable victories at Royal Ascot and the Breeders’ Cup. Despite early setbacks in his Classic year, Expert Eye won three times in the summer of 2018 before retiring after his Breeders’ Cup Mile triumph.
Mahon praised Stoute’s handling of Expert Eye, saying, "Expert Eye was Sir Michael’s last Grade One winner for Juddmonte during my tenure. His ability to turn Expert Eye around, especially after initial stall issues, was remarkable. Winning at Royal Ascot and the Breeders’ Cup showcased Sir Michael’s exceptional training skills."