Darkness Falls beat Desert Castle in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket racecourse. The victory was narrow, with the pair leading five horses into the final furlong.
Darkness Falls was ridden by Ryan Moore. Desert Castle was the favourite and had not been defeated prior to this race, with William Buick in the saddle. Darkness Falls is trained by Aidan O'Brien, and the horse returned from seven furlongs to a mile and a furlong. He previously won the Golden Fleece Stakes at Leopardstown.
Moore told ITV Sport: "He is a really good horse." He added: "The feeling is that there is more in him." He said: "How far he can go, I don't know, he has plenty of speed."
O'Brien said: "It was a big move to come here and it is incredible to bring the horse back from nine furlongs and win the Dewhurst." He highlighted: "We have always loved him and he has always had plenty of class." He added: "Ryan gave him a brilliant ride and I am very grateful that we won for everyone, he is very exciting."
The trainer said: "We came here to give him experience with the Guineas in mind and we always needed to learn a lot." He continued: "It was a huge challenge to bring him back to seven furlongs, last time at Leopardstown it was difficult at nine furlongs, and he obviously has that much class." He also said: "He is so exciting, as you saw what he did at nine furlongs, and I think he will not have any problem going further, he has plenty of quality."
O'Brien concluded: "When they have as much class as he has, they can do anything, and the Triple Crown is a dream." The Triple Crown comprises the 2,000 Guineas, the Derby and the St Leger. Nijinsky was the last horse in 1970 to win all three races in one year.
