Skip to content

Hootenanny wins at Keeneland - 2000 Guineas run under consideration

ARCADIA, CA - OCTOBER 31:  Lanfranco Dettori reacts to his win atop Hootenanny during the 2014 Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita Park on October 3
Image: Hootenanny wins the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf

Wesley Ward's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Hootenanny was deeply impressive when winning an extended five-furlong allowance race at Keeneland and a trip to Newmarket for the Qipco 2000 Guineas is now likely to be considered by connections.

Hootenanny broke fast, settled in second and was always prominent before shooting clear of his three opponents over a furlong out to win under a hands-and-heels Javier Castellano ride.

The colt, who runs in the colours of Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor and John Magnier, recorded a very impressive time of 1.03.80 seconds, and was not asked to do much in what was admittedly a weak event.

The Coolmore principals already own the two horses who dominate the betting in Britain's first Classic in Gleneagles and Highland Reel, but Hootenanny could well join the team.

Ward's three-year-old is already well travelled, having won the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot last June and finished second in the Prix Morny at Deauville to The Wow Signal.

Latest Racing Stories

A trip to Europe for an American Classic contender would not be unprecedented as Irish-born but New York-based trainer Leo O'Brien sent over Fourstars Allstar to win the Irish 2000 Guineas in 1991, when he beat Star of Gdansk by a head under US jockey Mike Smith.

Racing £50

New Sky Bet customers: Free matched bet up to £50!

Around Sky