Mirage is more than just an illusion for Goodwood owners

IT was more than just a mirage when members of the Goodwood Racehorse Owners' Group saw their latest colt dashing first past the post with Frankie Dettori on board.

The victory came on Goodwood Mirage’s debut to give GROG members a day to cherish at Newmarket and Dettori his first win since his recent split from Godolphin to go freelance.

A field of 17 lined up for the seven-furlong Maiden Stakes with Goodwood Mirage going off at 12/1.

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Under Dettori’s guidance, Goodwood Mirage rallied gamely when chasing the leaders to stay on well and grasp victory in the closing stages by three-quarters of a length.

Goodwood’s racing manager Gail Brown, who got a kiss from Dettori, said: “What a result for all parties and such an honour to launch Frankie’s freelance career.”

Next season, she said, Angmering Park trainer William Knight would take responsibility of GROG’s two racehorses – Goodwood Mirage and a new yearling, a lovely daughter of Shamardal bought for GROG’s 20th scheme.

“We look forward to having William Knight at the helm and welcoming new members to the fold - we have never known a season when GROG members did not receive a healthy return at the end of the scheme and long may that continue,” she added.

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GROG membership is a two-year scheme with a one-off payment of £925 buying you a share in a racehorse with all expenses and fees included – that’s £1.30 per day to own your own racehorse.

Members receive a share of prize money, any resale value of the horse and a social diary of events staged at Goodwood and around the globe. For further information visit www.goodwood.co.uk/grog

GROG was established in 1994 by The Duke of Richmond and Gordon to enable racegoers to get even closer to the action and enjoy the thrills of gleaming thoroughbreds dashing towards the finishing post wearing your silks. The Duke remains part of GROG 18 years later.

See pictures of Goodwood Mirage’s win - and how Frankie Dettori celebrated - in this week’s (Nov 1) Observer.