Breeders Cup Success Continues Terrific Season For Wootton Bassett

Unquestionable (2c Wootton Bassett- Strawberry Lace, by Sea The Stars) became the latest top-flight winner by Wootton Bassett when leading home a 1-2 for Ballydoyle and Coolmore sires in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.

Last month’s Group 1 Prix Jean Luc Lagardere runner-up was sent off favourite under Ryan Moore following stablemate and leading hope River Tiber (Wootton Bassett) being scratched that morning. Racing in touch, he was ridden behind the leaders upon turning for home and began to run on strongly when switched out approaching the final furlong. Soon in front, he was driven out to score by a length and a half, while stablemate Mountain Bear (No Nay Never) finished strongly in second.

“I was very happy at every stage,” Ryan Moore commented. “We thought a lot of him and River Tiber coming here and we expected to get a 1-2, just with different horses.”

It marked a sixth success in the race for Aidan O’Brien, who later said, “He's a very tough horse who we've always had a lot of faith in. Ryan gave him an unbelievable ride. He won very well in the end and I'm delighted.”

Unquestionable carries the colours of Al Shaqab Racing, who own the colt with Coolmore and Westerberg. Bought by Mandore International Agency as a yearling for €340,000, he was bred by Camille, Axelle, Valentine and Guillaume Vitse.

Unquestionable is one of ten black-type juveniles by Wootton Bassett this season; four of them Group/Graded winners. They also include Group 1 Phoenix Stakes victor Bucanero Fuerte, Group 1 runner-up Islandsinthestream and the aforementioned Coventry Stakes winner River Tiber, who has twice placed at Group 1 level.