OTI Racing Looking for G1 Success at Glorious Goodwood Next Week

Media Release - Wednesday July 23

Harry Eustace will send both of his Royal Ascot winners, Docklands and Time For Sandals, to next week’s Qatar Goodwood Festival, presented by Visit Qatar.

Eustace enjoyed a breakthrough Royal Ascot this year, registering his first Group race wins in spectacular fashion with two Group 1 victories in the Queen Anne Stakes and Commonwealth Cup.

Advertisement

His five-year-old gelding Docklands carries the OTI Racing colours and is set to line up in the Group 1 Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes on Wednesday, 30 July, where he is expected to face leading opposition including the top-rated three-year-old in training, Field Of Gold.

Docklands delivered a career-best performance in the Queen Anne, narrowly defeating Richard Hannon’s Rosallion and securing a first Royal Ascot win for Australian-based jockey Mark Zahra.

Rosallion is likely to reoppose at Goodwood in a race that could prove one of the highlights of the summer season.

Eustace said: “Docklands has been super since the race and seems to have come out of it very well. He has done a couple of bits of work since. He obviously came out of it race fit, so it’s getting him into Goodwood in as good a form as we got him into Ascot.

“We are under no illusions regarding the opposition. We take on the three-year-olds, particularly Field of Gold, which will be the toughest opponent he’s faced so far, but he’s in as good a place as we have ever had him.

“At Ascot, it was not an end-to-end gallop which you would have expected, but quite a tactically run race. That can typically be true at Goodwood as well, that encouraged us to give him the chance back at Goodwood.

“The track should suit him. He has run there before and to the eye was a little disappointing, but it was his first run off the back of his win in the Britannia and, in hindsight, I don’t know whether I had him one hundred percent.

“He handled Epsom [in the Group 3 Diomed Stakes] well, so I have no problem with the cambers at Goodwood. The quality that might be another matter.”

Docklands has been partnered by several riders throughout his career, including Richard Kingscote, Hayley Turner, and Mark Zahra.

Eustace confirmed: “Tom Marquand will ride in the Sussex. Mark rode him at Ascot and Richard is off to Hong Kong.

“Finding someone who can commit over two or three races this year is difficult for a yard our size, but I’m obviously keen to get the best available. I have a good relationship with Tom through my time with William Haggas and I think he’ll suit him well.”

Docklands has consistently performed at the highest level, having previously finished second in the Queen Anne in 2023. His Group 1 victory this year followed earlier international runs and his win in the Britannia Stakes two years ago - Eustace’s first Royal Ascot success.

“It can’t be understated how important he’s been for us for the last three years,” Eustace said.

“We’ll cherish his two wins at Royal Ascot forever. We’re a relatively young business. He is by a long way our flagship horse and has been key to everything that’s happened since.”

Goodwood Festival Release

Advertisment
More Reading...
NZB Filly of the Year Series Springs to Life with Gold Trail Stakes
One of the traditional signs that spring racing has arrived in New Zealand is the running of the first leg of the NZB Filly of the Year Series, the Group Three Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). The $150,000 race looks a little different this year in a temporary new home, but it will still give us that same first look at the latest crop of fillies vying for the coveted title.
$1.65million Invincible Colt Hostility Resuming on Saturday
Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand on Proisir Plate Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, particularly in the age group features.
River (Banking) on Dalasan
There are any number of reasons a stallion can go radio silent in their third and fourth seasons at stud.
Will Macdonald Joins Astute Bloodstock
Astute Bloodstock is delighted to announce the expansion of our team as we continue to meet increasing client demand and pursue our Group 1 ambitions.
Kiwi Melbourne Cup Contender Kicks off at The Valley
Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Mark Twain has landed in Melbourne and will commence his path towards the iconic feature at The Valley on Saturday.
One to Watch – Wyong
The John O’Shea and Tom Charton stable have been running hot into spring and unleashed a talented Wootton Bassett (GB) colt at Wyong on Friday that bolted in to win by nearly five lengths.
Grail Seeker Chasing Another G1
Top quality performer Grail Seeker will be heading in a new direction on Saturday when she attempts to add to her record at the highest level.
Sires With Winners - Thursday September 4
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday September 3
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Mitchell McKenzie Colts Showcase
All eyes will be on the $175,000 Listed MVRC Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday with an intriguing field of nine colts and geldings all vying for that all important first stakes win.