Golden Horn first horse since Frankel to gain 130 rating

Golden Horn has matched the achievement of the great Frankel having been given a rating of 130 by the British Horseracing Authority's head of handicapping Phil Smith.

John Gosden’s charge became the first horse to achieve the Dante, Derby and Eclipse treble at Sandown last Saturday, sealing his position at the head of the three-year-old tree.

“Since 1996 the only other British-trained three-year-old to post a performance of 130 has been Frankel,” Smith told www.britishhorseracing.com.

“I would be disappointed if Golden Horn cannot go on and prove himself better than 130 as the season progresses as he is clearly a fast-improving colt who on Saturday showed his versatility by making the running for the first time.”

David Wachman is hoping Curvy can continue on an upward trajectory as she gears up for the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh on July 18th.

The Galileo filly won two handicaps at Navan earlier in the season before stepping up for a Group Three success in the Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh in May.

Improvement

Wachman then raised her sights for the Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot and she duly fended off the challenge of Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Pleascach by a length. Curvy will now switch up again to Group One level, with Wachman anticipating further improvement.

The Qatar Goodwood Cup is next on the agenda for Simenon following another tremendous effort in defeat at Royal Ascot.

The Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old was beaten just a neck by Estimate when runner-up in the Gold Cup two years ago and was fourth behind Leading Light in the same race last summer.

After winning on his next start over hurdles at Tipperary, Simenon then spent almost a year on the sidelines with injury, but following a pleasing comeback at Sandown in May, he ran another excellent race in the Gold Cup to finish fourth once more.

The Goodwood Cup on July 30th, in which he could renew rivalry with Gold Cup winner Trip To Paris, is now on the agenda.