Cup has mark of distinction

Distinction (11-4) followed up his cracking run at the Royal meeting by landing the Lady O Goodwood Cup at Goodwood this afternoon.

Mick Kinane took the Gold Cup runner-up to the lead with four furlongs to run and Sir Michael Stoute's charge battled bravely to take the Group Two race by half a length.

Mark Johnston’s Golden Quest came from out the pack to give chase, but could never quite get on terms with the winner and had to settle for second.

Millenary came from the back to take third, a further eight lengths away.

Tungsten Strike and Hearthstead Wings cut out most of the early running, with the latter, one of three runners for Johnston, leading the field into the home straight.

But Kinane was travelling well in behind and soon loomed up aboard the favourite as the 10 runners headed on to the racecourse proper.

Once the in-form Irishman pressed the button, Distinction quickened clear and pulled out plenty when challenged by Golden Quest in the closing stages, dispelling any fears over his effectiveness on softer ground.

Harry Herbert, racing manager to Distinction’s owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Ltd, told BBC Sport: “It’s just unbelievable, he’s such a brave horse.

“Mick was absolutely right to commit him when he did, but it’s a long three furlongs to home.

“We’re over the moon.”

Kinane added: “He’s travelled really good, but we were a shade worried about the ground with him. But he did it really well and I knew he’d stay and I didn’t want to break his rhythm.

“In fairness to my horse, he had the race well won in the last five strides and was running on again. It was a long last furlong, but fortunately my horse pulled it out well.”

Stoute said: “He handled soft ground in the Melbourne Cup but this is different – it is sticky and I was worried as he goes so well on firm ground. But he has won and that is the main thing.”

Distinction was an unlucky-in-running sixth in the Melbourne Cup last season and that race is once again in his sights.

“Things can go wrong, but he is certainly a suitable type for the race as he proved last year,” added Stoute. “He just got a little bit far back, it was unfortunate, but he came out of the race with a lot of credit.”

Johnston said of Golden Quest: “Two furlongs out we thought he wouldn’t get there, but one furlong out and we thought he would. But he’s run a great race. I was dubious of running him in this race when he was so far out on the ratings, but it’s been worth coming.

“He won his handicap on Tuesday and now he’s run a great race here. It’s probably the Ebor next – that was a good trial for anything.”

Golden Quest has been cut from 16-1 to 8-1 with Ladbrokes for the big handicap at York, while Paddy Power make him a 7-1 chance.

John Dunlop, who trained third-placed Millenary, said: “He seems as good as ever which is surprising for an eight-year-old horse.

“The ground suits him well and he enjoyed it out there today. We will now have a look at the Lonsdale Stakes (at York).”