THE Clive Cox-Adam Kirby double-act plundered its latest Group 1 prize as crack sprinter Golden Horde bullied his classmates in the Commonwealth Cup.
The pair are no stranger to success and if the horse provided the brute strength, it was Kirby who delivered the brains.
It was his eighth success at the Royal Meeting and he made no mistake, kicking Golden Horde (5-1) out on his own.
He had little to worry about as only Kimari and Frankie Dettori could hang on to his coat-tails. And they slipped off late in the day.
By stallion Lethal Force – a horse Cox won the Diamond Jubilee with – it made success even sweeter for the delighted Lambourn trainer.
He said: “I was very proud of him. He’s a lovely, strong horse.
“He was a great two-year-old, but with the size and scope he had he’s really strengthened into that frame.
“He’s improved again and to win a Group 1 first time out is just wonderful. The horse is very special and the Commonwealth Cup means an awful lot.”
His dad was a star for Cox and he resides in the same box at his Hungerford base. And the trainer thinks his latest sprinting sensation is ahead of the curve.
He added: “I think he’s probably ahead of where Lethal Force was at this stage.
“Lethal Force was a horse that matured and improved with another year on him as a four-year-old and he won the Diamond Jubilee and the July Cup.
“This fella is definitely as good. And we tend to keep the proven Group 1 colts towards that side of the yard.”
A tilt at the July Cup is next on the cards with most bookies making him the 3-1 favourite for that race.
After paying tribute to his latest Group 1 winner, Cox was also keen to place the plaudits on his long-time pal and stable jockey.
Cox added: “It’s a fabulous day for Adam. We trust one another and we have a very close working relationship.
“Personally I couldn’t wish to work with someone as reliable and honest, and he’s very good.
“I wish he was a few pounds lighter, as I’m sure he does, but he’s very good.
“But in the meantime he’s rock-solid and he’s a wonderful horseman. When you leg him up you can sit back and let him go. I’m very proud to be involved with him.”
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