Fan favourite Highfield Princess wins another big one at Goodwood – and she has major targets ahead

TALK about living the High life.

For John Quinn and Jason Hart, the last 12 months have been unforgettable.

PAHighfield Princess won the King George at Glorious Goodwood[/caption]

Because Highfield Princess, the horse that nobody wanted as a baby, is the gift that keeps on giving.

Let’s not forget – after her three-length King George Qatar Stakes romp at Goodwood – where it all began.

It would probably have been generous to describe her as a bang-average handicapper in her first season, when it took five cracks to win her first race at Ayr – off a lowly mark of 58.

But something clicked early last year and she went on the sort of run that could have been lifted straight out of a racing novel.

She reeled off three Group 1s in just four weeks – bang, bang, bang – before a close fourth at the Breeders’ Cup on her 10th start of the season.

Regular jock Hart, who is leading rider at Goodwood heading into the final day, had barely had a Group 1 ride before she came along, let alone a Group 1 win.

And her success was a timely boost to Yorkshire-based Quinn, who would give Roger Varian a good run for his money in the softly-spoken-trainer stakes.

He’s had plenty of decent horses over the years, but he’s all too aware that it’s a constant battle to stay fashionable, given the influx of young blood in the training ranks.

Both his and Hart’s skills have been on full display with this mare, who barely attracted any bids at the sales as a youngster, and she ended up getting back on the lorry home unsold.

Turned out it was the best bit of bad luck her owner John Fairley ever had, what with her easy Goodwood win taking her careers earnings to a cool £1.5 million.

Let’s not beat about the bush, though, this was not a good race for Group 2 level.

Highfield Princess had been freshened up since Royal Ascot, when she came up short but still hit the frame in both the King’s Stand Stakes and Platinum Jubilee.

Anything other than a convincing win against second-rate sprinters here would have been a huge disappointment.

As has so often been the case, she delivered, but it’s impossible to say if she is truly back to her best given the calibre of opposition.

Hart and Quinn, though, are adamant that this will be a springboard to a money-spinning second-half to the season, with the defence of her Nunthorpe crown the first port of call.

Quinn said: “She is a top-class filly and we are delighted to have her. 

“When she was a two-year-old she was very backward and I didn’t really know what to think of her. 

“To see how she has blossomed into arguably the best sprinting filly in the world over the last year has been a joy. 

“I was keen for her to get her head back in front just for her confidence, and it will have done her the world of good to win again.”

Hart, who is arguably among the best around these days, credited Highfield Princess with taking him to the next level.

He said: “I was never a Group 1 winner until she came along, she has taken my career to new heights.

“I rode her out last week and she tried to bite me when I was doing her girth up, which was great to see that she had her sass back.

“She was much the best today and her record over the years shows that she gets better as the year goes on – which has to be a good sign going forwards.”

Earlier on the card, Frankie and Epictetus burst the Nostrum bubble in the Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes.

It was expected to be a procession for the latter, who had top-class form last year and returned with a bang at Newmarket in July.

But the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt struggled to quicken off the tacky ground and he was passed late in the day by the Dettori-ridden 6-1 shot.

Deflated assistant trainer James Savage said: “It’s very disappointing but we still believe in him.

“Ryan thought he had the race in the bag at about half way, but in the last 100 yards he said it felt like the horse had a puncture.

“That’s the first time in his career he hasn’t hit the line strongly, so we will give him a full check-up when we get him home.”

But you couldn’t wipe the smile of Frankie’s face, with the jockey having an otherwise quiet week bar Kinross’ win on day one.

He said: “I know they fancied the Stoute horse but I was in a lovely position throughout and my horse has plenty of ability.

“It’s been an up and down week but we’ve banked a few more quid today – hopefully I can end Goodwood on a high.”

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