Sensational G1 Jenny Wiley victory for Dickinson

Dickinson overcame trouble in running and strong opposition to win the G1 Jenny Wiley Stakes close home at Keeneland, USA, on Saturday, April 15. 

It was a first G1 attempt and victory for the five-year-old Medaglia D’Oro mare, who has flourished since switching from dirt to grass in September last year. She has now won five of her six races on turf.

Dickinson, bred by Darley, flew from the stalls under Paco Lopez in the extended mile contest and raced prominently. The pace was good – the first half-mile was run in 48.05s – and she was settled in third on the inside, maintaining that position until the straight.

She tried to come between the front two but there was no room and she lost ground switching wide around runners.

However, Dickinson ran on strongly and caught Lady Eli a stride or two before the post to win by a head in 1m 41.98s on firm going. There was a length and a quarter back to the third Quidura in the field of eight.

It was quite some day for Godolphin and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, who sent out four runners at Keeneland and they all won.

Kiaran McLaughlin commented: “I would have happily have traded in the first three successes for Dickinson to win, but I didn’t have to!

“What a day for Godolphin and it was a huge win for Dickinson who had to overcome a lot of trouble.

“She is such a nice mare – we had trouble and it still worked out – it is unbelievable to win four at Keeneland and especially ending on a G1.“We will probably point Dickinson for the G1 Just A Game over a mile on Belmont Day (June 10 at Belmont Park).”
 
Jimmy Bell of Godolphin said: “This is such a team effort with the breeding, the farm, the stallions, Kiaran and his staff and it is great when everything comes together on one day.

“For Sheikh Mohammed, this is the level we hope to compete at and to be able to top the four winners off with a G1 win today is very special for our breeding and racing operation.”

Paco Lopez added: “I had a little trouble. I wanted to go through on the rail and it opened up a little bit but I couldn’t get through. 

“When the other horse (Lady Eli) passed me, we got room and I still had a lot of filly.”

The other three winners for Godolphin at Keeneland were Tasteful, Zennor and Watershed. 

Kiaran McLaughlin now shares with Bill Mott and Todd Pletcher the honour of being the most successful trainer on a single card at Keeneland. He remarked: “That’s great company to be in.”