Wolf owner heaps praise on Ryan

Brendan McDonald, part-owner of Amadeus Wolf, paid a glowing tribute to Kevin Ryan, trainer of the Scottish Equitable Gimcrack Stakes hero, during his winner’s speech at York yesterday evening.

He told guests that “if someone had suggested at the start of the year a Northern-based trainer would have two individual Group One winners in their yard, the only name that would have seemed credible is ‘Mark Johnston’.”

As well as the Gimcrack, Amadeus Wolf hit the jackpot in the Shadwell Stud Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, while Ryan also claimed Group One glory with Palace Episode in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.

“Amadeus Wolf has been brought along brilliantly by Kevin, who is clearly a trainer going places,” McDonald said.

“The same applies to Neil Callan, who is on the heels of the likely champion jockey contenders for next year, and who hasn’t put a foot wrong on the horse.

“Amadeus Wolf gave us some tremendous days this year. First here at York, both when he ran so well in the Coventry and of course when he won the Gimcrack.

“Then subsequently he lifted the Middle Park at Newmarket. It would be nice to think he might be the best Gimcrack winner since Rock of Gibraltar.

“Unfortunately his sire, the ill-fated Mozart, who was a Coolmore stallion, only produced one crop. And I think it’s fair to say that Amadeus Wolf is Mozart’s one shot at Classic glory.

“Taking a look at the ante-post betting for the 2000 Guineas it looks like the Coolmore operation have a tight grip on the race with the first two in the market.

“However, George Washington and Horatio Nelson have both tasted defeat at Newmarket, whereas Amadeus Wolf has a 100 per cent record there, and Mozart’s finest hour was running away with the July Cup there in 2001.

“So, my suggestion to Coolmore, is to aim George Washington at the Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh, where he is unbeaten, and to aim Horatio Nelson at the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp, where he is also unbeaten.

“That will give Amadeus Wolf a clear run at Newmarket and the best chance to help enhance Mozart’s legacy!”