Live In The Dream displays remarkable quickness to cause a surprise victory in the Nunthorpe race

Epsom Trainer Adam West Celebrates Breakthrough Win with Live In The Dream at Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes!

In a stunning turn of events, Epsom trainer Adam West has claimed his first Group One victory as Live In The Dream triumphed in the highly-anticipated Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York. Despite being overlooked by many, the four-year-old sprinter produced an exceptional performance to shock both fans and experts alike.

Prior to this race, Live In The Dream had been steadily making progress throughout the season. Starting off with wins in a couple of handicaps, he was now facing the challenge of competing against top-level competition for the very first time.

A Dazzling Display of Speed and Determination

Under jockey Sean Kirrane’s expert guidance, Live In The Dream burst out of the gates and quickly established himself as the frontrunner. With incredible speed and unwavering determination, he surged ahead on the five-furlong track, leaving defending champion Highfield Princess trailing in his wake.

“I never thought it was possible to win. We were laughing about there being six places and how his odds were so skinny. We should have backed him to win!” exclaimed West after witnessing this extraordinary feat.

The Journey from Underdog to Champion

This victory not only marks Adam West’s first Group One win but also represents a significant milestone in his career. Alongside jockey Sean Kirrane, who also secured his maiden Group-level triumph, West has experienced a moment of pure elation.

“Seven years I’ve been training and we’ve had him from a yearling, and the journey has been incredible,” said an ecstatic West. “I have always believed in putting talented horses into races, regardless of their odds. This win just goes to show that perseverance pays off.”

A Turn for the Better

Live In The Dream’s exceptional speed has always been his greatest asset. Although he had previously shown promise in Group races like the Palace House Stakes and Temple Stakes earlier this season, it was at York where everything aligned perfectly for this Epsom-based sprinter.

In analyzing previous performances, West identified certain factors that may have hindered Live In The Dream’s progress: “In the Temple Stakes, we think the ground might have been a touch too quick for him and he hung away from the rail. Today with that tiny bit of rain, he has been able to fully let himself down and keep straight.”

Dreams Become Reality

The victory at Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes now presents an exciting opportunity for Live In The Dream to compete on an international stage. With qualification secured for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint through this prestigious race, West is eager to showcase his horse’s capabilities at Santa Anita in early November.

“It is an amazing opportunity—one that we never thought we would get,” expressed a thrilled West as plans are set in motion for this thrilling challenge.
“Trying to make ends meet to get enough funding together both ways—getting him over there and bringing him back—has been a rollercoaster ride.”

Contentment in Epsom

Epsom has always been Adam West’s racing sanctuary—a perfect blend of countryside charm and accessibility to the city. Reflecting on his journey, he expresses gratitude towards the owners within this tight-knit community: “The owners in that close community have been fantastic.”

“Epsom is the perfect mix of town and country for me. I can be out with my ferrets in 20 minutes one way, and out in town with my owners 20 minutes the other,” explained West.
“It’s the ideal place for me, and I’m very happy here.”