The 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket Racecourse in England witnessed a historic victory by Notable Speech, owned by Godolphin and ridden by champion jockey William Buick. Buick described the horse as having a ‘strong mind’ following the impressive win in the Group 1 Classic, the first of the British season. Notable Speech, a son of Dubawi, had only his fourth start and first on turf, surprising a high-quality field to win by a length and a half.
Trained by Charlie Appleby, Notable Speech became the first horse in 86 years to win the 2,000 Guineas without racing as a juvenile. The victory marked Godolphin’s fifth success in the Classic, with Appleby previously training Coroebus (2022) to victory. Speaking about the horse’s success, Appleby highlighted the importance of giving Notable Speech the time he needed to develop into a racehorse.
Following the win, Appleby revealed that Notable Speech would be aimed at more Group 1 glory, with a potential target being the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Additionally, Buick expressed his belief in the horse’s potential for further improvement, praising his speed and mindset. The victory was especially significant as a homebred son of Dubawi, reflecting the dedication of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and the entire Godolphin team.
In the 2,000 Guineas, Ghostwriter finished fourth for Clive Cox and Richard Kingscote, while Shadwell’s Alyanaabi secured fifth place ahead of Inisherin. Looking ahead, Appleby is aiming for a rare Guineas double with Dance Sequence and Cinderella’s Dream in the fillies’ Classic, the 1,000 Guineas. Overall, the victory of Notable Speech in the 2,000 Guineas marked a significant moment in British horse racing, showcasing the talent and potential of the Godolphin-owned colt.
