Fourth Straight Group 1 Win For Brilliant Paddington

Paddington (3c Siyouni - Modern Eagle, by Montjeu) extended his unbeaten record this season with another impressive performance in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes.

An authoritative winner of the Group 1 Irish 2,000 Guineas in May, Aidan O’Brien’s charge was even more impressive in the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes and made a successful step up to ten furlongs last time out in the Group 1 Coral Eclipse. Wednesday brought the new challenge of soft ground; Paddington’s first test on it at Group level, but connections didn’t worry.

“Someone asked me yesterday if he'd go on this ground and I said he'd go on snow,” said Ryan Moore, after guiding the favourite to a length and a half victory. Paddington’s performance held added gravitas given that he made most of the running and easily shook off a challenge by Inspiral three furlongs from home.

It led to uncharacteristic comments from Moore after the race. “It's a hard thing to say, but Paddington gives you the feel that he might be as good a horse as I've ridden,” Moore said. “He's exceptional. And he's handled everything that we've put in front of him, whether it's a mile, ten (furlongs, good ground, soft. He's a straightforward horse who thrives on his racing.”

O’Brien was similarly confident in Paddington’s versatility, saying, “We weren't expecting the ground to be as tough as it is today but, knowing the horse, he could take it with a smile on his face.”

The Group 1 Juddmonte International is next on the agenda for Paddington, with a host of international contests open to the star colt later in the season. Bred by Dayton Investments, the €420,000 yearling purchase is owned by Coolmore partners with Peter Brant and Westerberg.