Celebration time for back-to-form Jonquil

Colin Keane delivered Jonquil at the perfect moment to return to winning ways in the Virgin Bet Celebration Mile at Goodwood.

Winner of the Greenham Stakes on his seasonal return, the career of Andrew Balding’s talented colt has somewhat stalled since finishing second in the French 2,000 Guineas earlier in the summer.

After suffering defeats at Royal Ascot over six furlongs and at this venue over seven in the Lennox Stakes, the son of Lope De Vega relished this second try at a mile on the Sussex Downs.

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With Keane showing patience, the 3-1 chance was nursed into contention by Juddmonte’s retained rider, before battling past Ralph Beckett’s course winner Saqqara Sands late on for a neck success.

Barry Mahon, Juddmonte’s European racing manager, said: “It’s a huge result and credit to Andrew and the team down at Kingsclere.

“He was nearly a Classic winner but for the barest of margins and obviously we then made an error of judgement dropping him back to six furlongs and it’s just taken us a little while to get him back on track.

“He’s firmly back on track today and the great thing was Colin felt he could maybe get a little bit further, which opens a few more avenues.

“We’ll have to look at the programme book and see what’s available, but he’s definitely a horse you who you wouldn’t shy away from another furlong.

“It probably wasn’t the strongest-run mile and going a better pace he may even get the mile better, but he’s a talented colt and it will be exciting to work out where we go next.

“It most definitely has to be the aim to get him back in Group One company before the end of the year, he was a nose away from being a Classic winner so we’ll be working towards Group Ones. He’s won a Group Two now so the next logical step would be to go Group One.”