Nunthorpe third for Blue Point

Blue Point, trained by Charlie Appleby, finished third in the G1 Nunthorpe Stakes over five furlongs at York, UK, on Friday, 24 August.

Partnered by William Buick, the four-year-old Shamardal colt was settled close in behind the leaders as he raced on the stands’ side.

He was asked for an effort entering over a furlong from home and ran on inside the final furlong to take third, just over two lengths behind Alpha Delphini who scored by in a time of 57.18s on good to firm ground.

Charlie Appleby said: "I am pleased. We beat the horse that everyone thought was the one to beat (Battaash, who finished fourth).

"They are proper speedballs there today and as William (Buick) said, Blue Point is definitely a five-furlong horse.

"We just got a bit outpaced at halfway, but he was coming back at the end.

"The most logical step would be to head for the Curragh for the Flying Five (5f, 16 September). That is a G1 now and the stiffer finish there will suit him."