Son Of Churchill Wins Competitive Group 3 At Newbury

Grand Alliance (4g Churchill - Endless Love, by Dubai Destination) beat a top-class field to gain a deserved black-type success in Saturday’s Group 3 John Porter Stakes at Newbury.

Making his first start of the season, Grand Alliance’s accomplished rivals included last year’s winner, as well as a multiple Group 1 winner and another two Group 1 performers. Charlie Fellowes’ charge raced in midfield for much of the mile and a half contest and made smooth headway under James Doyle from three furlongs out. Pushed along to lead before the two furlong pole, he was ridden clear soon after and kept on well to win in comfortable fashion. The winning margin was two and a quarter lengths, with Farhan (Zoffany) claiming runners up honours.

“He has done that to a pretty decent field,” Charlie Fellowes said after the race. “I’ve been delighted with him over the winter and, walking around the paddock, I thought he’d done really well physically.”

On future plans, the trainer commented, “I know he has a Yorkshire Cup entry, but James said afterwards he wouldn’t be jumping to step up further in trip, so I think I need to have a sit down and talk to the owner and make a plan.”

Owned and bred by Mrs Susan Roy, Gran Alliance went close in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot last season. He becomes a sixth individual Group winner by Churchill.