Jonquil (GB)

Jonquil began his two-year-old career under the stewardship of Sir Michael Stoute and broke his maiden on debut at Sandown Park on 30th August. His performance that day earned him TDN 'Rising Star' status as he overcame all manner of traffic problems with a gritty performnce to win by a short head. His next performance, an unplaced finish in the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes a fortnight later, was disappointing and he didn't run again that season.

Following the retirement of Sir Michael Stoute, Jonquil transferred to the stable of Andrew Balding in late 2024. His first run for Balding was in the Gr.3 Greenham Stakes at Newbury where he demonstrated ruthless finishing speed to win by a length and a half.

Balding commented after the race: "We're thrilled to win a race like this and it looks like a mile will suit him. He settled through the race, hit the line strong and I couldn't be happier. He's a very well-balanced horse and I wouldn't have thought Newmarket would be a problem if we decide to go there. We'll wait to see what next week's trials bring and he's in the English and French Guineas."

Jonquil is the first foal out of Jovial, a three-time winner over 6f and twice placed in Listed company. His second dam is the dual Listed winner Joyeuse (Oasis Dream) dam of the Gr.2 Mill Reef Stakes winner Array, the Gr.1 Doomben Cup second Maximal and the Gr.1 Coronation
Stakes third Jubiloso, a half-sister to the ten-time Gr.1 winner and outstanding sire Frankel and his triple Gr.1-winning full-brother and fellow sire Noble Mission.