Midnight Mile, born by caesarean section, puts herself in the reckoning for next year’s 1,000 Guineas

OWNER Roisin Henry was left dreaming of Classic glory next year after her “really special” filly Midnight Mile continued her amazing upwards journey with victory in the Godolphin Lifetime Care Oh Sharp Stakes at Newmarket this afternoon.

Having been born by caesarean section, reaching the racetrack has been a victory in itself for the No Nay Never filly and she enhanced her profile when following up her debut success at Doncaster in July with victory in today’s 7f Group 3 prize.

The No Nay Never filly is a daughter of Ruby Tuesday (Galileo), and a grand-daughter of Jude. Ruby Tuesday is closely related to the Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Yesterday and the Group 1 Moyglare Stud winner Quarter Moon (both second in Oaks) and Group-placed 1m2f winner All My Loving. Third dam is Kirsten Rausing’s Alruccaba, the tap root family of last week’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Alpinista.

In 2021, Ruby Tuesday and a colt by No Nay Never, while this year’s Fastnet Rock foal died since birth.

Henry said of her 22-1 winner: “She had her first run at Doncaster and Richard said we will let her have a learning experience and she won which was fantastic.

“She then had a bit of break and we said we would let her have a bit of a run here today if the ground was soft enough. We didn’t expect anything.

“She was checked (late on) and I thought that had knocked the wind out of her sails but never mind. She was running well prior to that but she battled on and she did that in her first race to. She is a battler.

“This filly was born by caesarean section as they knew that the mare was in trouble so veterinary team in Coolmore and the Fethard Veterinary Hospital were amazing.

“When she was born they must have had 15 guys standing around her awaiting this foal. It was incredible. The fact we got a live foal was amazing and the fact the mare is still alive is amazing. She is really special.

“You don’t expect these kind of ones to go on to be race fillies. She is very well bred and we thought we would hang on to her. It is so exciting.

“I’ve dreamt enough now but if it doesn’t get any better than this that’s fine.

As for winning rider Orr he expects Midnight Mile to continue her improvement next season.

He said: “Through the race I was on and off the bridle and when we can down to the two I really asked her. I was just tight of room for a stride or two but I switched left she has quickened up nicely and done it well.

“She does everything well at home and has done nothing wrong on the racetrack so far. Hopefully she can keep on improving.”

Following today’s success, Midnight Mile was introduced at 14-1 with William Hill and 33-1 with Betfair/Paddy Power for the 2023 QIPCO 1000 Guineas.