2008 Stan James Guineas Festival Quotes

For details of standings in the 2008 running of the 2000 Guineas, see our 2000 Guineas 2008 results page.

2008 Stan James Guineas Festival Trainers

NEWMARKET, ENGLAND - MAY 5: Johnny Murtagh and Henrythenavigator celebrates after landing The stanjames.com 2000 Guineas Stakes Race run at Newmarket Racecourse on May 5, 2008, in Newmarket, England. (Photo by Julian Herbert/Getty Images)Naturally, Aiden ‘O Brien was delighted to notch another victory.

  • “When you have a horse like him that shows so much speed you are never sure if he is a miler. Speed is his big thing and I think we will keep him to a mile. Today was his first test over a mile on fast ground so I’m delighted.â€

At the 2008 Stan James Guineas Festival, trainer Trainer Jim Bolger was optimistic, even after New Approach was defeated for the first time to finish behind Henrythenavigator.

  • He said: “I’m pleased with the way he travelled and he was coming back at the winner at the end. They are two very good horses. Obviously, it would have been nice to have won but I’m still happy.â€

David Elsworth saw Stubbs Art defy the odds to finish to place 3rd.

  • “We are disappointed we didn’t win. Everyone can read the formbook, but this horse had a great chance. He’s lost a hind plate but I don’t know whether that’s relevant. Part of us is pleased but part of us is frustrated as well.â€

John Gosden was pleased with Raven’s Pass 4th place finish.

  • “He ran great. They raced across on the stands’ rail as we thought they might. He’s come from last and run a very good race.

  • “I would definitely question his stamina in the last half furlong and the plan is to go to the Jersey Stakes (seven furlongs Royal Ascot) and then run him in the Darley July Cup (Newmarket).

  • “He wants to go faster than they’re going. Seven furlongs is no problem and the stiff six of the July Cup will suit him.â€

2008 Stan James Guineas Festival Johnny Murtagh

Murtagh was excited about his narrow victory - the closest in British Classic history.

  • “When I saw the furlong marker I knew I had enough time to get there, I was just hoping I was good enough and fortunately he was but the second kept battling back at me and they are two very high-class horses. Mine is a very good horse with a decent turn of foot and this is a great start to my new job - I’m a very lucky person.
  • “Aidan told me to drop him in and the race rode pretty well, I was just travelling in between horses. He is a horse with loads of pace, after all he won the Coventry as two-year-old last year.â€

The Stan James Guineas Festival for 2009 will see the 201st running of the 2000 Guineas. For ticket options, visit our 2000 Guineas tickets page.