Quotes from the 2007 Stan James Guineas Festival

For details of standings in the 2007 running of the 2000 Guineas, see our 2000 Guineas 2007 results page.

2007 Stan James Guineas Festival Trainers

At the Stan James Guineas Festival, trainer Geoff Huffer had this to say of his winning horse, Cockney Rebel:

• “He was cantering all the way and could easily win over six furlongs.”
• “He’s the best I’ve had and I’ve had a few good horses, although none of them ever cost a lot. After he won at Newmarket first time out I was quoted in the press saying he was the best I had trained and we wouldn’t see the best of him until next year and so it’s proved.”

Trainer of second-position Vital Equine, trainer Eoghan O’Neill, said:

• “It was his first run of the year and I think he has done very well. Chris Catlin gave him a super ride. The plan was to jump out and take the sting out of them. We’ve done that with the exception of one horse.”

Peter Chapple-Hyam said of third-position Dutch Art:

• “It was an outstanding performance and proved he stays a mile. In fact, (Dutch Art’s jockey) Jimmy said he thinks he will stay a mile-and-a-quarter later in the year but we will stay milling for the time being.”

2007 Stan James Guineas Festival Jockeys

Olivier Peslier, jockey of Cockney Rebel, said:

• “I did think ‘maybe I’ve come too soon’ but the horse just didn’t stop and kept going to win well.”

Of Dutch Art, Jimmy Fortune said:

• “If I’d been on the stands’ side I’d have beaten them, but I had nothing to lead me.”

2007 Stan James Guineas Festival Owners

Of Cockney Rebel, owner Phil Cunningham said, “I was up at 5:00am this morning and walked the course. I cannot believe it. We discussed everything that could happen in the race and then the dreaded thing happened and they split into two groups. I spoke to Olivier afterwards and I think he was a bit undecided which side to go. But what a ride!”

Phil senior said, “The man (Geoff Huffer) has worked absolute magic and hopefully he will get a few more horses now. It is a dream for a small owner.”

The Stan James Guineas Festival for 2008 will see the 200^th running of the 2000 Guineas. For ticket options, visit our 2000 Guineas tickets page.