Silver Knott denied in head-bobbing finish to G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf

Silver Knott went down by the narrowest of margins when losing out to Victoria Road in a gripping climax to the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland, USA, on Friday, 4 November.

Bidding to provide Charlie Appleby with a fourth win in the race, Silver Knott broke half a stride slowly but soon recovered to race in ninth down the inner rail.

William Buick continued to save ground on the Lope de Vega colt, who still had the majority of the field in front of him at the top of the straight.

Silver Knott travelled strongly into the race and squeezed up the inside to establish a slender lead entering the final half-furlong.

Victoria Road joined Silver Knott in front close home and the duo hit the line together, with the Godolphin colt missing out by a nose.

Charlie Appleby said: “Silver Knott was slow from the gate and William [Buick] has dropped him down on the fence. He got the splits when he needed them, so we have no excuses there, and it was a head-bobber.

“When they crossed the line, I thought Victoria Road had won but I was gaining hope the more times I watched it. Silver Knott has run well and lost nothing in defeat.”