Kris Lees commemorated a pinnacle in his acclaimed training path when Changingoftheguard controlled the race from start to finish, taking out the Group 1 $2 million Sydney Cup (3200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
A product of a star-studded ownership team led by Lloyd and Nick Williams, the outsider at $51 was masterfully controlled by Jason Collett out front, turning back every bid in the test of stamina.
This feat aligns with the 20th year anniversary of Lees’ maiden Sydney Cup aboard battle-hardened County Tyrone.
“When County Tyrone won the Sydney Cup it was one of my biggest thrills in racing, ” Lees said. “But I would have to say this is just as big a thrill. ”
The day’s earlier highlight saw Lees grab his sixth $1 million Provincial-Midway Championships Final, claiming the first two with Lord Of Biscay edging Imposant from the same yard.
Nick Williams praised the champion Newcastle trainer as the “nicest guy in racing,” with Lees deeming the Sydney Cup with Changingoftheguard a cherished milestone.
“It is exciting just to train for them (Team Williams), ” Lees said.
“Nick is a really good mate and to train for LLoyd and to win a prestigious race like this is a huge thrill. ”
The legendary Lloyd Williams, Hall of Famer and seven-time Melbourne Cup owner, secured Sydney Cup number five through Changingoftheguard, complementing Gallante (2016), Mourayan (2013), Gallic (2007), Major Drive (1987).
Changingoftheguard ($51) delivered the Sydney Cup’s most seismic upset since Murray King at 200/1 led throughout a century ago, holding Soul Of Spain ($8) at bay by half a neck, Highland Bling ($17) third just a short neck off.
Firmly supported River Of Stars hit $5 but faltered post-turn to end seventh.
Changingoftheguard, by Galileo the all-time sire great, debuted under Aidan O’Brien’s Irish guidance, prevailing three times from initial nine including Royal Ascot’s Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes and fifth place in 2022 English Derby to Desert Crown.
Lloyd and Nick Williams then snapped him up, shipping to Lees.
Limited to 13 appearances in near three years with Lees, Changingoftheguard advanced steadily; last spring yielded City Tattersalls Club Cup glory and Melbourne Cup ninth to Half Yours.
“He ran a bold race in the Melbourne Cup and we said after that we would save the blinkers for the Sydney Cup, ” Lees said. “They were always going on, we were just trying to wait for today. It was a good plan and I’m happy we got the result.
“It’s a great thrill to win in those colours too. What a lovely, rated ride by Jason (Collet), I thought he was actually going too slow.
“He got him back to 14 (second sectionals), the horse goes quicker in trackwork most mornings, but they upped the ante when they came up around him and it was really pleasing. “
Having been self-critical after Changingoftheguard’s ninth last week in the Chairman’s Quality, Collett drew inspiration from Lees beforehand.
“Kris said to me before the race that on the wet track last week the horse’s ‘wheels spun’, ” Collett said.
“Then Kris said if the horse finds the bridle he’ll want to do it and he did. It was very lonely down the back straight, but I loved it though.
“It’s a good feeling when a horse gets in a good rhythm like that. We don’t get too many opportunities here in Australia over these distances. “
Collett’s belief surged when Changingoftheguard rebuffed Newlook straight away.
“When he didn’t throw in the towel I thought ‘that’s a change’, ” Collett said. So that definitely gave me some confidence and although it’s a long straight, it’s pretty cool to win a Sydney Cup. ”
Runner-up Soul Of Spain benefited from Tommy Berry’s superb navigation, prompting barrier regrets. “Soul Of Spain did a massive effort from the barrier. If he draws a gate, he arguably wins but the winner has done a good job in front as well, ” Berry said.
Promising stayer Highland Bling, autumn-placed in Adelaide Cup and Sydney Cup, impressed Ben Thompson. “It was a great run by Highland Bling, ” Thompson said.
“At start 16 it feels like he’s got a stack of scope left. To run third in this grade
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