Tom Queally - why I kept My Own Counsel
Monday August 1, 2011
Queally - why I kept my own counsel
Tom Queally has told the latest Racing UK podcast how he never thought Frankel would be beaten and reflects on the pressure leading up to last week's Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
Frankel decided the ‘Duel on the Downs’ in emphatic style, putting five lengths between himself and Canford Cliffs.
Queally’s tactics were a large part of the build-up to the Group 1 race, and the Racing UK ambassador admitted the win was “a relief.”
He continued: “I was not saying much and keeping my cards close to my chest. I wasn’t giving much away, but in my own mind I had tremendous faith and I did think he would win.
“But if you go around saying that before the race, and he doesn’t win, you’re setting yourself up for a fall.
“Riding a horse of his calibre means that you are going to be scrutinised in everything you say and do. People have said and written things and the press and media have a job to do – and I understand that. We all have to work as best we can really.
“He’s growing up all the time; he was doing everything right at home and he’s a horse in a million. I’m very lucky to be on board.
“For the boss (Sir Henry Cecil) to say he is the best he has seen, let alone trained, says it all. I could ride for the next 20 years and I won’t sit on a horse as good as him.
“Although I thought that about Midday after she won the Yorkshire Oaks last year, when she was in the form of her life, and then Frankel came along!”
Also in the podcast, Queally’s weighing room colleague Richard Hughes reflects on winning back-to-back Racing UK-sponsored leading jockey awards at Glorious Goodwood.
“A great week; I’d give it eight out of 10,” said Hughes, who also gave his thoughts on Canford Cliffs, and the Tanqueray Richmond Stakes winner Harbour Watch.
“A blind man could see he (Canford Cliffs) wasn’t moving that well. I’m not saying that we’d have beaten Frankel but I would have liked to have put up a show. He wasn’t 100%.
“He (Harbour Watch) was brilliant. He’s a big tall horse with a bit of growing to do and we’ll see how he gets on in the Middle Park.”
To listen to the full Racing UK podcast, please click here.
Please credit Racing UK if any audio is reproduced.
