Ahead of Britain’s final Group 1 race of the year on Saturday, Doncaster Racecourse are delighted to reveal the new Vertem Futurity Trophy, designed by Sheffield silversmiths Chris Knight and Christopher Perry. The pair have a long history with Doncaster Racecourse, having designed the iconic William Hill St Leger Trophy also.
Vertem, co-founded by racehorse owner John Dance, take on their first ever Group 1 sponsorship this weekend as some of the country’s best two year old horses run over a mile on Town Moor. Won last year by Coolmore’s Saxon Warrior in a thrilling contest with Qatar Racing’s Roaring Lion, racing fans will be looking for the race to offer significant clues as to next year’s crop of superstars.
Aidan O’Brien’s Magna Grecia spearheads a three-pronged attack on the race, alongside Circus Maximus and Western Australia. O’Brien has an excellent record in the race, but he is still behind Sir Henry Cecil’s 10 victories on the roll of honour.
John Gosden, who saw Roaring Lion beaten in this last year sends two horses to Doncaster in Kick On, in the same Qatar Racing colours, and Turgenev who was very impressive in winning his last two.
Phoenix Of Spain runs for Charlie Hills, having taken on Too Darn Hot earlier in the season at Doncaster in the Champagne Stakes, while Raakib Alhawa will aim to follow up his Newbury debut win.
Dashing Willoughby, Great Scott, King Ottokar and Kuwait Currency complete the 11-strong field.
