• Lightning caused officials to dispense with stalls start

• Merchant 10-1 for Leger after gutsy Gordon Stakes win

There was nothing too glorious about a ragged flag start for the Group One Nassau Stakes, but much to appreciate about the difference a top-class jockey can make. Ryan Moore seized the initiative aboard Whirl, the 6-5 favourite, and ensured that Aidan O’Brien’s filly was never seriously threatened on her way to a five-length success.

Goodwood’s officials were forced to use a flag start, a first for a Group One race in Britain, as there was lightning in the air during a sustained downpour. That changed the going from good, good-to-firm in places to heavy in less than an hour, with none of the usual stopping-off points in between.

Continue reading…