Blinkered Decision an Addeybb Masterstroke

The old expression, Don’t keep a dog and bark yourself, may sound derogatory, however it proved highly apt in the aftermath of UK raider Addeybb’s stellar defence of his Gr1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Following defeat by Verry Elleegant (Zed) in the Gr1 Ranvet Stakes, it was regular rider (both in Europe and Australia) of the Pivotal gelding, Tom Marquand, who suggested blinkers to William Haggas. Given Addeybb had never worn them in any race during his long career, the trainer had to trust his rider’s judgement and was delighted he did. According to Haggas, who was interviewed by SEN’s Andrew Bensley, he’s convinced blinkers made all the difference. “I personally want to thank Tom for going for the blinkers because I wasn’t sure,” Haggas conceded. “That’s what you employ top people for and that was his advice. So good on him.” Marquand, who had to drum his fingers for two weeks in Australian quarantine in order to come to ride the global star, was elated. “I know I said he wasn’t 100 per cent in the Ranvet and a lot of people would have said Verry Elleegant was better this year, but I just couldn’t help but think it wasn’t him,” commented the partner of fellow leading jockey Holly Doyle. “He proved when he’s on song he just gives you a different feel. He’s a monster, in his element he just flows…”