2015 Reilly Turf Awards - International Edition

Following on from the U.S. edition of the 2015 Reilly Turf Awards, let’s turn to the most memorable performances on the international front.

MOST PLEASANT SURPRISE

Golden Horn entered the season as a promising debut winner for John Gosden, but who could have imagined that he’d go on to sweep the Derby (G1), Eclipse (G1), Irish Champion (G1) and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1)? Surely not Sir Anthony Oppenheimer, since he had to supplement his homebred to both the Derby and Arc. Then again, a colt with a name redolent of Constantinople/Istanbul ought to have imperial ambitions. Curiously, his only two career losses came in close duels with fillies in the Juddmonte International (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1). Chivalrous to a fault?

 

MOST TANTALIZING WHAT-MIGHT-HAVE-BEEN

Japan might have unearthed the right horse to give the race-mad nation an overdue first Arc trophy. Then dual classic hero Duramente missed the second half of the season due to injury. Judging by how the top 3-year-old inhaled the field in the Japanese 2000 Guineas (G1), can’t you just envision him taking to Longchamp? Or for that matter, Chantilly, the Arc’s temporary home for 2016? Adverse weather was the culprit in denying us a couple of other clashes. If it hadn’t been for a summer of pouring rain, Gleneagles would have turned up for a proper showdown with Golden Horn, either at York or Leopardstown, and with Solow at Glorious Goodwood (although Aidan O’Brien ruled him out a bit too hastily there). Figures that a horse with a golf course name needs a putting green. Honorable mention goes to Intilaaq. Not yet ready for prime time in Newmarket’s 2000 Guineas (G1), the Roger Varian pupil rebounded in commanding style versus lesser, only to forfeit his Champion (G1) engagement after a lackluster work. Richard Hills has compared this well-bred son of Dynaformer to Nayef, and he’ll get his chance to live up that appraisal in 2016.