Desert Flower Dominates 1000 Guineas: Godolphin's Stellar Weekend at Newmarket
Desert Flower triumphs at the 1000 Guineas, marking a historic weekend for Godolphin with back-to-back victories at Newmarket.

Desert Flower secured a remarkable victory at the 1000 Guineas in Newmarket, completing a sensational weekend for Godolphin. Jockey William Buick celebrated his first win in the Fillies' Classic, steering Charlie Appleby's even-money favorite to a triumphant finish ahead of Ollie Sangster's pair, Flight and Simmering.
This victory marks the fifth consecutive win for the unbeaten Desert Flower, following Ruling Court's success in the 2000 Guineas on Saturday. The weekend was a testament to the prowess of Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin team, which also claimed victories in the Kentucky Oaks with Good Cheer and the Kentucky Derby with Sovereignty.
Appleby and Buick became the first trainer and jockey duo to win both the 1000 Guineas and 2000 Guineas in the same season since Aidan O'Brien and Kieren Fallon achieved the feat in 2005. "I'm a very happy man, an amazing filly, what a weekend for Godolphin. To be part of this, I can't put it into words," Buick expressed.
Looking ahead, Buick hinted at the possibility of Desert Flower competing in the Oaks at Epsom on June 6. "She's all class and may even get a little further," he added. The filly is now priced around 5-2 for the Oaks.
Appleby praised the collective effort behind the weekend's success, stating, "To have a weekend like this is very special for everybody - it's a huge team effort. It was a great ride by William."
Meanwhile, Ollie Sangster was thrilled with the performances of Flight and Simmering, who finished second and third respectively. "We're elated. We're all here because we want to win, but second and third is fantastic," he said.
In the 2000 Guineas, Kieran Shoemark admitted to misjudging his ride on favorite Field Of Gold, leaving his charge too late to catch winner Ruling Court. "I felt like I had all bases covered, he was travelling supremely well. With the benefit of hindsight, I was too confident on my horse," he told ITV Racing.