Seven up for Notable Speech with G1 Woodbine Mile repeat

Notable Speech became only the second horse to win back-to-back renewals of the Woodbine Mile as the Godolphin star secured a seventh G1 success with another assured display in Canada on Saturday, 12 September. 

America’s reigning Champion Male Turf Horse had powered home to take the Woodbine feature 12 months ago before going on to glory in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile and the Dubawi entire returned on the back of G1 wins this term in the Lockinge Stakes and City Of York Stakes. 

Four-time G1 winner Deterministic attempted to make it a test from the outset as he strode on into an early two-length lead, with Notable Speech settled behind Silius, Gas Me Up and Pierre in fifth. 

William Buick had to wait for a gap to appear as Deterministic kicked at the top of the straight. After finding room, Notable Speech unleashed a strong run and collared the long-time leader just inside the final half-furlong before quickening away for a length-and-a-quarter verdict, joining fellow US champion Wise Dan as a two-time winner of the race. 

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “I am delighted for Notable Speech, who has proven an ultra-consistent horse throughout his career and deserves each of his seven G1 wins. He is a testament to the whole team at home and a real favourite in the yard. 

“We will give him a little break now before heading back to the Breeders’ Cup Mile.” 

William Buick added: “It was quite a tactical race, and Notable Speech showed his quality, having had to fight for a bit of space at the top of the straight. 

“I was looking to follow Deterministic down the back straight but that position just wasn’t available, so I took the next best spot. Notable Speech has a true turn of foot, so I was never that worried. 

“Deterministic is a multiple G1 winner and it took a good horse to run him down. This fella is exactly that. He is so versatile and his resolution is amazing. He is a joy to ride.

“Notable Speech has all the attributes a champion miler needs, including a great racing brain. As he has showed here today and last year, he does not mind a one-turn mile or a two-turn mile.”