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The Gurkha gains revenge in Sussex Stakes

The GurkhaThe Gurkha
© Photo Healy Racing

The Gurkha got the better of Galileo Gold to win a thrilling renewal of the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

Galileo Gold, winner of the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, saw off French Guineas hero The Gurkha and Irish victor Awtaad in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot last month and the star three-year-old milers did battle once more in this Group One contest.

Just as he did at Ascot, Frankie Dettori rode a positive race aboard Galileo Gold, sending him straight to the lead while Ryan Moore aboard The Gurkha and Awtaad's rider Chris Hayes raced on his tail.

Dettori attempted to quicken clear over a furlong out and briefly looked to have put the race to bed, but Aidan O'Brien's 11-8 favourite The Gurkha ranged alongside as the post loomed and gained his revenge by a neck.

Ribchester, third behind Galileo Gold at Newmarket before winning Ascot's Jersey Stakes, ran a fantastic race to pick up minor honours in third, but Awtaad weakened out of contention disappointingly.

Moore said: "He's a very good colt, we think a lot of him and he showed in Deauville that he's very good.

"Things haven't been right for him since, (but) I think that was a very good race with some good horses and he deserved his day today.

"I was always very happy because he travels so well and I knew as soon as one horse in front folded an inch he'd be able to find room and make room.

"He has so much pace just to go where you want him when you need him. I was delighted with him today.

"This is a fast mile and I think when he gets on quicker ground he'll be better again.

"He's finished second in an Eclipse and he's a two-time Group One winner at a mile now.

"I'm sure we'll all sit down and work out what's best for him."