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News July 30, 2025

Morris Dancer one step shy of Vintage victory

John Gosden ‘thrilled’ with Goodwood second for Haydock novice winner.

## Morris Dancer one step shy of Vintage victory

John Gosden, the renowned racehorse trainer, has expressed his delight despite Morris Dancer narrowly missing out on victory in the prestigious Vintage Stakes at Goodwood. The Haydock novice winner put in a valiant effort, ultimately finishing second in the highly competitive Group 2 race.

While a win would have been the icing on the cake, Gosden was “thrilled” with the performance of Morris Dancer, especially considering the step up in class and the challenging nature of the Goodwood course. The young horse, who previously impressed with a convincing win at Haydock, proved his ability to compete at a higher level against some of the most promising two-year-olds in the country.

The Vintage Stakes is a significant race for identifying future stars, and Morris Dancer's strong showing suggests a bright future ahead. The race, known for its testing conditions and strategic importance, demanded stamina and tactical awareness from both horse and jockey. Morris Dancer displayed both in abundance, staying competitive throughout the race and only being overtaken in the final stages.

Gosden’s satisfaction stems not only from the horse's performance but also from the potential it signifies. To place second in such a prominent race at Goodwood, after only having one previous win under his belt, is a testament to Morris Dancer’s talent and the quality of his training. The team will now carefully consider future race options, taking into account the horse’s development and the overall racing calendar.

While the Vintage Stakes victory eluded them this time, Morris Dancer's impressive run has solidified his position as a horse to watch. The strong performance has certainly put him in the running for other significant races in the coming months, and fans will be eagerly anticipating his next appearance on the track. The second-place finish at Goodwood is a positive step forward and a strong indication of what's to come from this promising young horse.
Category: Sports