Clemmie Takes Command of Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes

Coolmore's 2-year-old filly Clemmie entered racing already saddled with the heavyweight of expectations handed to her by her big brother Churchill, champion European juvenile in 2016 and winner of the classic English and Irish Guineas. 

No better than ordinary in her first two starts for trainer Aidan O'Brien, the daughter of Galileo—Meow, by Storm Cat indicated she could carry the family burden, reaffirming her July 2 maiden win in the group 3 Balanchine Grangecon Stud Stakes at the Curragh with a victory in the July 14 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (G2) at Newmarket.

Favored in a field of eight juvenile fillies, Clemmie, guided by the steady hands of jockey Ryan Moore, settled midfield through the early segments of the six-furlong event as second-choice Nyaleti with William Buick aboard the Godolphin filly making most of the early running pressed by Mistress of Venice.

Two furlongs from the finish, Moore moved Clemmie into contention and the blaze-faced bay split the field, taking command in the final eighth-mile to post a 1 3/4-length triumph over Nyaleti in 1:10.34. Mamba Noire closed for third, another half-length back.

The cross of Galileo with Storm Cat mares has proved bountiful for the Coolmore connections. From 42 starters they have had 11 black-type stakes winners (six group 1) for a 26.2% strike rate.