Blue Bunting scores shock win at Newmarket

Godolphin stuck a dagger in the hearts of their rivals when Blue Bunting pulled off a stunning upset in the Qipco 1,000 Guineas (Group 1) at Newmarket, England, yesterday. Ridden by Frankie Dettori, the daughter of Dynaformer was sent to the post as a 16/1 outsider but she proved the bookmakers wrong with a breathtaking performance to win by ¾ length from Irish hope Together, the mount of Colm O'Donoghue who in turn outduelled the Richard Hills-ridden Maqaasid for the minor placings. Blue Bunting gave Godophin trainer Mahmoud Al Zarouni a career-first British Classic victory in only his second season. It was also Godolphin's first Classic success since Kazzia won the 1,000 Guineas and Epsom Oaks in 2002. Godolphin's founder, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who was present at Newmarket yesterday, described the victory as "very special". Bred to stay "It was a bit of a surprise but she is bred to stay," Shaikh Mohammad told Channel 4 Racing. "She has a beautiful running style. We're aiming her at the Oaks next." Held up for the early part of the race Dettori turned on the afterburners approaching the final furlong and his filly hit the front and held the lead tenaciously for a convincing victory. "That was great and a pleasant surprise," said a typically lively Dettori. "The lads had been telling me she was working well, but obviously she had a lot to prove on form. Things worked out really well as they went a good pace, which was what I needed. It's fantastic as I haven't won a Classic for a while and I'm based here in Newmarket. This is my home town." Al Zarouni paid tribute to Shaikh Mohammad and said: "That was very, very special. I'm very pleased as this is my first English Classic and I must thank His Highness who has over 30 years of experience in the sport. We follow his instructions. We thought that she was a mile and a half filly but she showed us that we were wrong, with this win over a mile. But she's a real stayer."