Notable Speech clinches City Of York crown for Appleby

Charlie Appleby's Notable Speech returned to top form when rocketing to victory in the City Of York Stakes under William Buick, setting up a potential return to America for the Breeders' Cup Mile.

Notable Speech bounced back to his brilliant best to claim his sixth Group One victory in the Sky Bet City of York Stakes.

Charlie Appleby's chestnut has been a top-class performer for the last three seasons, with his big-race haul including the 2000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes in 2024, the Woodbine Mile and Breeders' Cup Mile in 2025 and the Lockinge at Newbury this spring.

He suffered a rare blip when only sixth as favourite the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot in June, but dropped back to seven furlongs on the Knavesmire - albeit on easier ground than ideal - and showed his true colours in the hands of regular partner William Buick, travelling powerfully before quickening two and three-quarter lengths clear of the chasing pack as the 9-4 favourite.

Appleby said: "You've got to admire him. You get good horses who can do it at two and three, but when they do it at four and five you've got to doff your cap to them.

"We're allowed to give these horses the opportunity to do it and that is full credit to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and Team Godolphin for letting us keep these horses in training, as it would be very easy to retire a horse like him.

"The likes of Modern Games and Space Blues, they could have gone to stud much earlier. It was different with Rebel's Romance as a gelding, but if I had a mare I'd be the first person to send one to a horse winning Group Ones at three, four and five.

"This new seven-furlong Group One is what we needed in the UK and it is being well supported. A horse like him winning it will hopefully give the race plenty of kudos."

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The Moulton Paddocks handler will now target a second Breeders' Cup success with his charge, adding: "I spoke to a couple of guys from the Breeders' Cup earlier today. What is good about today is he has showed his versatility on ground slightly softer than ideal.