Orange battles to Goodwood success

Big Orange made all of the running to win the Qatar Goodwood Cup for the second successive year.

Jamie Spencer sent his mount to the front when the stalls opened and the early gallop meant the field were well stretched out in the early stages.

A number of challenges emerged the threaten Big Orange's domination with Pallasator and Sword Fighter both putting in big runs, but the 11-4 favourite was kept up to his work and responded by pulling away in the final furlong.

He crossed the line a length and a quarter ahead of Pallasator with Sheikhzayedroad a further head back in third.

"He wears his heart on his sleeve. He's a big strong galloper and he's got stronger since last year and can sustain top speed for longer," Spencer said.

"I'm not convinced this is his track. On flat tracks he's much better as you can really let him at it, but you have to slow down for the bends here.

"Last year he was a very good horse, but this year he is stronger. They came at him from a really early stage and he went away from them at the finish. The other thing that would help is faster ground, as it was shifting a bit under him today and he'd have been happier if it was quick."

Winning trainer Michael Bell added: "He's so big, and we know that big horses need time to mature, and although it's a cliche he's like a fine wine and is just getting better with age.

"His owner, Bill Gredley, is not that keen on going to the Melbourne Cup again, but I'm a little bit keener, so there's something for us to chew over - there are other possible races for him in the US or in Europe and the Melbourne Cup is a handicap so if he gets a big weight that could rule us out."