Blue Bunting Wins 1000 Guineas

Blue Bunting flew down the stands’ side rail to post an upset victory in the QIPCO One Thousand Guineas (Eng-I) at Newmarket May 1.

Dismissed at odds of 16-1, the 3-year-old daughter of Dynaformer   was given a masterful ride by Frankie Dettori. Held up toward the rear of the 18-runner field, Dettori allowed Blue Bunting settle into stride as Hooray, under Seb Sanders, went to the front to set the pace. They were followed closely by longshot Elshabakiya, with Laughing Lashes and Empowering settling just off the leaders in third and fourth.

As the field passed the halfway point of the race, Hooray clung to a narrow lead but several runners were hot on her heels. With two furlongs left to run, Hooray had nothing left and was quickly swallowed up by the rest of the field. Cape Dollar poked her head in front, but it was Together and Maqaasid who rolled past her as they fought for the lead out in the center of the course.