Lightning Spear Strikes at Last in Sussex Stakes

So close so many times, Lightning Spear's legacy looked destined to be that of the greatest "nearly horse" of his generation.

Beaten a short head in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (G1) in May, leading a stride before and after the post, and three-quarters of a length away from a career-defining victory at Royal Ascot, Lightning Spear always tried like a terrier but could never quite deliver at the top.

It was not for the fun of it, however, that in his seventh year the flashy chestnut continued to face off against a fresh crop of pretenders at the highest level, as those closest to him never stopped believing he had that elusive group 1 in him.

Finally, at arguably his favorite track, that faith was rewarded with a group 1 victory—in his 16th attempt at the level—in the £1 million Qatar Sussex Stakes (G1).     

While there was no fault to be attributed for his Lockinge defeat, which was cruel at best, perhaps rider Oisin Murphy was in front rank too soon at Ascot.

There was no chance of a repeat at Goodwood, though, with the cards falling perfectly for Lightning Spear to strike deep in the final furlong under a ride that oozed confidence and had unwavering belief in his old sparring partner.

"He's done very little wrong apart from winning a group 1," said trainer David Simcock, who looked broken after Lightning Spear's defeat at Newbury but had an air of serenity about him Wednesday. "Just to see him fill up like that and quicken—that's the horse we see at home an awful lot, and it was just fantastic. We felt slightly robbed at Newbury, and this more than makes up for it.

"It's great for Sheikh Fahad, the Qatar team, and the yard, but I'm more pleased for the horse than anyone. He deserves that."

Simcock is the third trainer after Ralph Beckett and Olly Stevens to nurture Lightning Spear, whose group 1 journey started for Stevens in August 2015.

His first start for Simcock came the following June, when third in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1), and while he has twice won the group 2 Celebration Mile at Goodwood, the post and crossbar has been rattled time and again at the highest level.

"As a trainer, you've got to be optimistic and positive," Simock said. "We've been close several times, but he's never really let us down. We get attached and want them to win, but if you didn't feel aggrieved or emotional when they go so close, there's something wrong."

As much a part of the success as trainer and jockey is Simcock's wife and Lightning Spear's gallop partner Jenny, who was the first to well up and, ultimately, the weight of an emotional week eventually had her husband in tears, too, with Jenny revealing the trainer was dealing with the loss of his father, Michael, July 30.

"All he said was someone's looking down on us—that's all we've said to each other," she added.

The main purpose of Lightning Spear staying in training was to secure a future career at stud, which, after looking unlikely for so long, was finally secured in less than a minute and 40 seconds of group 1 action.

"Whatever happens, he will go to stud at the end of the year," said David Redvers, racing and breeding adviser for owners Qatar Racing. "He's by Pivotal, who is turning into a supreme sire of sires. You'd have to think that before that he might end up at a Breeders' Cup."

The Sussex is a Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" event, guaranteeing Lightning Strike a berth in the Nov. 3 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) at Churchill Downs.

"There's plenty of season left for him and plenty of races left for him, but all that matters as far as I'm concerned is that he's won his group 1 and won it in style," Redvers said.