By:
Conor Martin
Fresh from her Coronation Stakes success at Royal Ascot last Friday, Cercene could be supplemented for next month’s Juddmonte Irish Oaks at the Curragh.
Going into the race as a 33-1 shot behind French 1,000 Guineas winner Zarigana, Cercene, ridden by Gary Carroll, dug deep to become the race’s longest-priced winner.
CERCENE defies the odds to win the Coronation Stakes, under the mount of G.F. Carroll for trainer Joseph G. Murphy. Congratulations to connections. pic.twitter.com/uOs96msiIE
— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 20, 2025
Trainer has faith in Cercene
Many were surprised by Cercene’s impressive performance at Royal Ascot. Trainer Joe Murphy was not and had expected a bold showing from the three-year old horse and said:
“If you go back and look at the Irish Guineas, she was the only filly that passed three horses over the last furlong. If they went another furlong, I’m not saying we’d beat the Ballydoyle filly (Lake Victoria), but we could have been second. And there’s no harm being second best to her.
“I’m delighted with the way she came home; she licked the pot, and we’re thrilled with her.”
However, Cercene has never been raced over a mile. Which led to Murphy admitting he is unsure if she is ready for the mile and a half run at the Irish Oaks. But Murphy believes it’ll be worth rolling the dice to see if Cercene has the stamina to deliver another impressive performance:
“We have our Group One in the bag now, and she’s finished third in a Group One and second in the Athasi Stakes from seven runs, so we’re in a very happy place.
“We’re thinking of supplementing her for the Irish Oaks. We’ll probably make an entry for the Nassau in Goodwood as well, but we have to figure out the timing.
“The Pretty Polly this weekend comes too soon after Ascot. You could go over a mile and a quarter in the Nassau. But you’re taking on older fillies, whereas in the Oaks, you’re only taking on your own age group.
“She has her Group One, so if she doesn’t stay, I’ll take the blame, and we’ll go back (in trip) and start the engine again.”
Big plans for the future
Murphy, who trains in County Tipperary, has big plans for the filly and wants to race her Stateside in November after she features in the Matron Stakes in September:
“We have the Matron Stakes (at Leopardstown) and then probably the Breeders’ Cup, so that’s the programme going along. We’re looking forward to the Breeders’ Cup as we think she’ll handle it. She’s very well balanced and tough, and honest.
“The dream is more alive than it was before Ascot.”
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