Close second for Glorious Journey in Criterion Stakes

Glorious Journey narrowly missed out on a third G3 success when going down by a neck to Limato in the seven-furlong Criterion Stakes at Newmarket, UK, on Saturday, 29 June.

The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old was half a stride slow leaving the stalls under James Doyle but soon recovered to dispute third in a group of five that raced towards the far side, with the three other runners electing to come up the centre of the course.

Glorious Journey ran on down the far rail to hold every chance approaching the final furlong and rallied to strongly press Limato in the closing stages, with the dual G1 winner just holding on to prevail in 1m 24.51s on ground described as good to firm, good in places.

Charlie Appleby said: “We were very pleased with the performance of Glorious Journey, who was beaten by a very good horse in Limato.

“We feel that Glorious Journey may prefer a bit more ease in the ground, but we can’t make too many excuses and he has still run very well. “Hopefully, it won’t be too long before he is picking up another Group race.”