- Mill Stream showed speed and tenacity to win the historic Group One sprint
- The victory marked the 100th top-level success of William Buick’s career
- Mill Stream held off the challenge of Swingalong to leave Buick punching the air
Super Saturday turned out to be something more for William Buick, as Mill Stream’s July Cup success proved the highlight of a four-timer at Newmarket.
Buick is unlikely to retain his status as champion jockey this season, with Oisin Murphy having opened up a massive lead, but the quality of his riding has been consistently outstanding.
How he showed that on the busiest day of the summer, a day when the action was high-class across six meetings — the pick of which was on Newmarket’s July Course.
To stand out from the crowd here would need something remarkable, and Buick rose to the occasion, his wins coming at combined odds of 909-1.
Mill Stream was the pick of the bunch when showing speed and tenacity to win the historic Group One sprint. It was the 100th top-level success of Buick’s career.
William Buick rose to the occasion with his wins coming at a combined odds of 909-1
Mill Stream (centre) showed speed and consistency to hold off the challenge of Swingalong
A model of consistency this season, Mill Stream held off the challenge of Swingalong to leave the usually reserved Buick punching the air. The colt had been perfectly prepared by Jane Chapple-Hyam, who raved that she had ‘the right man’ on board.
‘That’s the first time I’ve won the July Cup and I’m absolutely delighted,’ Buick said. ‘He was so game, he just puts his head down and wants to run.’
Buick also guided home three winners in Godolphin’s blue silks for his boss Charlie Appleby.
Desert Flower and First Conquest got the ball rolling for Buick before two-year-old Ancient Truth justified odds-on favouritism in the Group Two Superlative Stakes, earning quotes for next year’s 2000 Guineas.
‘We like him,’ said Buick. ‘He’s a horse I believe will only get better and better.’
