Glorious Goodwood 2017 – Winter shines on the Sussex Downs in the Qatar Nassau Stakes
Winter was looking for her fourth Group 1 win this season as she stepped up in trip and she did it well as the filly shone on the Sussex Downs in terrible conditions once again
WINTER toughed it out at Goodwood to land her fourth Group 1 of the season in the Qatar Nassau Stakes.
Aidan O'Brien's filly already had two Guineas and a Coronation Stakes to her name and she handled the step up in trip well on the Sussex Downs.
Sent off the 10-11 favourite, Ryan Moore was keen to get cover early on as Sobetsu set the early pace.
Moore might have looked a little anxious for a short time, but when he pulled her out to challenge a furlong from home the result was never in any doubt.
Having put two lengths between herself and her nearest pursuers, the last 50 yards just saw her idle which allowed Blond Me to close to within a length and a half.
With last year's winner Minding retired due to injury, O'Brien and Coolmore have a ready-made replacement.
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Moore said: "You wouldn't say she was impressive by any means, but this ground is really as bad as you are going to get.
"It wasn't a smooth race at all, and it didn't go the way you'd like it to have gone for her, but she's got plenty of class and that's what came out in the end.
"With six runners there was a lack of cover, but she listens and did everything right."
He added: "She's won four Group 1s on the spin and is a very professional racehorse. She knows how to race, and how to win."