Ruling Court Triumphs in the 2000 Guineas: A Spectacular Victory at Newmarket
Ruling Court clinches victory at the 2000 Guineas, showcasing exceptional stamina and skill under jockey William Buick at Newmarket.

Ruling Court emerged victorious in the prestigious 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, demonstrating remarkable stamina and speed. The 9-2 shot, trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin, was expertly ridden by William Buick, who made the strategic decision to choose Ruling Court over Shadow Of Light.
In a thrilling finish, Ruling Court held off the fast-closing Field Of Gold, who was the 11-8 favourite. Shadow Of Light, another Godolphin contender, led briefly in the closing stages but ultimately finished third, with Tornado Alert taking fourth place.
Buick praised the horse, stating, "This feels great. He was so smooth throughout - he's a special horse and his stamina shone through." This victory marks Appleby's third win in the 2000 Guineas in four years, following successes with Coroebus in 2022 and Notable Speech in 2024.
Ruling Court, who had previously won impressively in Dubai by six lengths in March, is now about 5-1 second favourite for the upcoming Derby at Epsom. The Lion In Winter, who won the Acomb Stakes at York last August, remains the favourite.
John Gosden, trainer of Field Of Gold, reflected on the race, noting, "William's got first run on us. He's finished very strongly but lack of pace and probably a little bit too far back in the field. He's run out of track." Despite the setback, Field Of Gold's performance was commendable, and the horse remains a strong contender for future races.
This victory not only highlights Ruling Court's exceptional abilities but also underscores the skill and strategy of jockey William Buick and trainer Charlie Appleby. The 2000 Guineas continues to be a cornerstone of the British Flat racing season, drawing attention from horse racing enthusiasts worldwide.