No Nay Never Colt Battles For Group 2 Victory

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Wichita (3c No Nay Never - Lumiere Noire, by Dashing Blade) gained due reward for a consistent season when prevailing in a thrilling finish to the Group 2 Park Stakes at Doncaster.

A Group 3 winner at two, he suffered a narrow defeat in the 2,000 Guineas, before taking third in the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. He was sent off favourite for the seven furlong contest at Doncaster, with Frankie Dettori riding him to track the leaders and produced a challenge approaching the final furlong. Soon in front, he was briefly headed by dual Group 1 winner One Master (Fastnet Rock), but dug deep to regain the advantage in the shadow of the post, as the first two finished two lengths clear of the third.

Speaking after the race, Dettori commented, “He's been a model of consistency and was second in a Guineas. I'm pleased that he put his head in front today. I think seven furlongs is spot on for him.”

Owned by Mrs John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor, Wichita was one of four Stakes winners on the day for connections. A 140,000gns yearling purchase, the son of No Nay Never is the best performer bred by Max Ervine out of German Listed winner Lumiere Noire.