Queally - I never felt the Frankel pressure

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Tom Queally

Queally - I never felt the Frankel pressure

29 July 2011

There was a hell of a lot of scrutiny around my upcoming ride on Frankel in the Sussex Stakes, and of course I was under pressure. But I have to say that no-one in the Frankel camp put any undue pressure on me. Everyone was very relaxed and that meant obviously I was too.

I’ve said before I don’t really get het up about rides no matter how high profile they are. Maybe I should, but it’s just not in my nature. So I slept perfectly well as always on Tuesday night, like I do every night.

The media have a job to do, and in fairness they did it well, in promoting the race but I kept my own counsel in the lead-up to the race, and was happy to let everyone else build up the contest.

Crossing the line on Wednesday was as good a moment as winning the 2,000 Guineas, if not better, and I know I will never ride a horse of his calibre ever again. I’ve been lucky enough to be part of the Frankel story at what is hopefully still a young stage in my career, and I need to keep reminding myself of how fortunate I am.

Sir Henry (Cecil) got him absolutely spot on for the day and the race was incredibly straightforward. Despite all the talk beforehand about tactics – it panned out pretty much as a lot of people would have envisaged.

Glorious Goodwood is a fantastic week and at the time of writing I had two winners on the board. If Midday made it three in the (Markel Insurance) Nassau Stakes, then it would be a week I’d always remember.

She’s a mare I’m extremely fond of, and no wonder, given she’s supplied me with five Group 1 wins, two of which came in this race.

This looks her toughest test in the race so far. Snow Fairy is a top-notch filly, as she proved when winning two Oaks and then championship races in Japan and Hong Kong, but we have comfortably beaten her before so hopefully we can confirm that.

Misty For Me of course beat us six lengths in Ireland and it’s a big ask to reverse that form, but Midday loves Goodwood, which I think that counts for a lot, as I am a firm believer in course and distance form.

I’d also say that fillies have a time in the year that they really flourish, and I know this is Midday’s time. I’d say the principals will be fearing us as much as we would them.

I was successful for Dandy Nicholls and Paul Dixon with Askaud on Wednesday and we all team up again on Docofthebay in the (Blue Square) Stewards’ Cup.

Paul’s been a great supporter of mine since I’ve been riding in the UK, and it’s always good to try and repay his faith in me. I think most people were after a middle draw, or failing that, they wanted to be drawn on the stand side so hopefully we’ll be ok in 25.

He’s very consistent and always runs well in these top handicaps and hopefully we’ll be in the mix.

I’ve got two rides for Amanda Perrett on the same card, a newcomer in True Prince in the seven-furlong maiden, and Classic Vintage in the (Toyo Tires) one mile and six furlongs handicap.

I’ve ridden him on his last two starts, and I think this extra two furlongs will suit. This is certainly his grade, so he could easily grab a place at nice odds.

I have another chance of Group 1 success with Timepiece in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville on Sunday, when she takes on Goldikova and the second and third again from the Falmouth. I’m very hopeful we can confirm the form from Newmarket, when she ran the race of her life.

She seems as good as she’s ever been, and I like the way we’re going to France, as races there are often run off a slow pace, much like it was at Newmarket. Obviously Goldikova is a legend but I honestly think we have as good a chance as any.

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