Modern Games beaten but unbowed in G1 Sussex Stakes

Modern Games lost nothing in defeat as he chased home the world’s highest-rated horse Baaeed in the G1 Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on Wednesday, 27 July.

The Dubawi colt had been a late replacement for 2,000 Guineas hero Coroebus in the mile showpiece but himself brought Classic-winning form into the race, having decisively captured the Poule d’Essai des Poulains in May.

After breaking smartly for William Buick, Modern Games raced in third on the inside of Order Of Australia as Bathrat Leon and Chindit led the seven runners.

Modern Games took second from Chindit at the two-furlong pole, although Baaeed already appeared to have the race at his mercy as he travelled ominously on the outside of the field. Baaeed swooped to hit the front inside the final furlong and readily quickened clear to stretch his unbeaten record to nine with the minimum of fuss.

Modern Games rallied gamely, regaining second from Bathrat Leon half a furlong to go down by a length and three-quarters – the same distance that Real World finished behind Baaeed in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “Modern Games is like his father, he goes down on his sword. Everyone said that we had a substitute for Coroebus but Modern Games is no substitute - he has won a Breeders' Cup Juvenile and a French Guineas. I'd like to have a few more substitutes like that!

"William has given him a great ride. Baaeed is a very good horse and full plaudits to him, but we are delighted from our point of view.

"We have always worked back from the Breeders' Cup Mile, and that is going to be the plan. I don't think you will see him now in Europe next – he will either go to Canada or Keeneland in the autumn and then the Breeders’ Cup Mile.”