Castletown Stud graduate Ottoman Emperor (3c Excelebration – Ibiza Empress, by Tertullian) continued his outstanding progression to land the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
Successful on his second start in April, Johnny Murtagh’s charge came into the mile and a half contest with three straight wins to his name and was partnered by regular rider Ben Coen to chase the leaders. Pushed along three furlongs from home, he was ridden to lead a furlong later and went clear approaching the final furlong. Keeping on well under pressure, he prevailed by half a length on the line.
“He’s genuine and tough and stayed the distance very well,” Murtagh commented after the race. He added that the St Leger was next on the agenda, saying, “He’ll head straight there now. He’s been busy so he won’t run again before then and we’ll freshen him up for it.”
The OTI Racing-owned colt was bred by Castletown Stud in partnership with Minch Bloodstock, and was sold through Brenda Shortt Bloodstock as a yearling.