Falmouth Stakes: Opinions and Commentary

Sporting Showdown: Marquand vs Doyle in Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes

It’s a rare occurrence to witness husband and wife jockeys competing against each other in a high-profile race, let alone riding for the same trainer. But that’s exactly what will unfold at Newmarket on Friday as Tom Marquand and Hollie Doyle go head-to-head in the prestigious Group One Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes.

Doyle has been entrusted with the ride on the highly-fancied Nashwa, owned by Imad Al Sagar. Meanwhile, Marquand will don the famous pink and green Juddmonte colors aboard Coppice – both horses trained by dynamic duo John and Thady Gosden.

This unusual clash of talents doesn’t faze racing’s ‘golden couple’. In fact, it’s just business as usual for them. As Doyle calmly explains, “I’m obviously only riding because of Imad’s retainer, but it’s good that Tom has picked up that good ride.”

Racing against her husband in a Group One race while representing the same team is not something she dwells upon. For Doyle, it’s simply another day at the office.

A Battle of Resilience:

Nashwa performed admirably last year as she secured third place in Oaks before going on to claim victory at Chantilly in France’s equivalent classic race. She further asserted her prowess with an impressive triumph in Goodwood’s Nassau stakes and notable performances both overseas and in France.

However, her form this season has failed to sparkle in two previous outings at Chantilly and Newcastle. Doyle remains optimistic that the drop back to a mile – the first time in eight starts since her Haydock novice win last April – will bring out Nashwa’s true colors. She states, “I think she has taken some time to come into form. She’s really grown over winter, so it took a few runs for her to find her rhythm.”

The Gosden team clearly have faith in Nashwa’s potential as they decide to enter her once again into the Falmouth Stakes. Doyle trusts their judgment, saying, “We will leave it to them – they usually do the right thing.”

A Golden Opportunity:

Replacing Frankie Dettori aboard Coppice due to suspension is an exciting opportunity for Tom Marquand. He expresses his enthusiasm by stating, “Obviously it’s fantastic to pick up a ride of Coppice’s quality in a major Group One.”

Coppice arrives off an impressive performance at Royal Ascot with Frankie Dettori on board. Unfortunately for Dettori, unforeseen circumstances have paved the way for Marquand’s chance with this talented horse.
Marquand hopes he can build upon Coppice’s progressive path and deliver another remarkable display at Newmarket.

Bright Prospects Ahead:

Juddmonte-owned Coppice is set for a significant test as she steps up against strong competition in this Group One race. Barry Mahon, European racing manager for Juddmonte, acknowledges this challenge but maintains optimism about Coppice’s abilities.

Mahon explains that while entering such high-profile races represents considerable progressions for young fillies like Coppice: “She’s a filly who, if she could get third in a Group One, then that would be a nice result.”

Main Contenders and Potential Threats:

Via Sistina, trained by George Boughey, emerges as the likely favorite for this race following her victory at the Pretty Polly Stakes in Curragh recently. However, her participation hinges on favorable ground conditions at Newmarket.

Ralph Beckett’s duo – Remarquee and last year’s Falmouth Stakes winner Prosperous Voyage – are seen as formidable contenders alongside Nashwa. Remarquee makes her debut for new owners Wathnan Racing after finishing second to Tahiyra in the Coronation Stakes.
Meanwhile, Prosperous Voyage returns to defend her title after securing a win at Epsom earlier this season. William Buick will deputize for Frankie Dettori aboard this talented horse.