The first of the European G1 3YO classic races was run overnight with Frankel colt Chaldean taking the prize in the Group I 2000 Guineas at Newmarket for Frankie Dettori in the Juddmonte colours.
Trained by Andrew Balding, Chaldean won four of five starts at two culminating with a Group I win in the Newmarket Dewhurst Stakes (7f), but missed his prep run for the Guineas when he unseated Frankie Dettori just after the start in the Group III Greenham Stakes last month.
This time there were no such dramas and the powerhouse chestnut forged clear of his rivals to win by a length and three quarters over the long shot Hi Royal, a lightly raced son of Kodiac, with race favourite Auguste Rodin (Deep Impact) not a factor on this occasion.
“It wasn't his fault at Newbury as someone knocked my iron out of my foot. Today was what mattered as this race makes stallions,” said Frankie Dettori.
“Chaldean has won a Group I at two and now a Classic and he is by Frankel and full credit to Juddmonte as they have a good horse for the stallion shed in the future.
“I had a good spot. When I got to the top of the hill Oisin (Murphy on Hi Royal) kicked on and he gave me a good fright. Once I got clear of him it was all over and I was able to enjoy it. I kept an eye on my left to see if the Coolmore horses were coming but there was plenty of daylight.”
Dettori is retiring at the end of this year and is going out in a blaze of glory with his next ride on the colt likely to be at Royal Ascot in the Group I St James’s Palace Stakes.
"What a brilliant ride," said Andrew Balding.
"Ever since I've been involved in the sport he's been an omnipresent superstar of the sport and what a fitting way to end his last 2,000 Guineas.
"How lucky am I that the first yearling Juddmonte sent me was Chaldean. Hopefully he's the first of many."
With five wins from six starts, Chaldean was bred by Whitsbury Manor Stud and sold as a foal to Juddmonte Farms for 550,000 guineas at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale.
He is a half-brother to Group II winner Alkumait and stakes-winner The Broghie Man as well as two more stakes-placed horses being the best of six winners from terrific producer Suelita.
Chaldean is the first Group I winner in 2023 for champion sire Frankel.
