Joe Murphy could hardly have been more proud of Cercene following her second-placed finish in a gruelling renewal of the Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.
A deluge of rain turned the ground heavy and lightning in the area made it impossible for the starting stalls to be utilised, with a flag start instead required in the exceptionally challenging conditions.
Aidan O’Brien’s Whirl, the 6-5 favourite, justified that status with a five-length win, but behind her was 11-1 shot Cercene under rider Gary Carroll.
Murphy has often sought quick ground for the chestnut, who won the Coronation Stakes at 33-1 on good to firm at Ascot, but in torrential rain she showed just how tough she is with an admirable run in second, on her first try at a mile and a quarter.
“We were delighted with the filly, Gary said she was wheel-spinning on the ground and she still ran a great race,” said Murphy.
“We do know she needs good ground but just she’s just sheer courage, she’s a wonderful thing.
“She’s unbelievable, she really is. No words can describe how genuine and honest and tough she is. She loves life.
“She gets the trip no problem, but I think we’ll go back for the Matron (Stakes, over a mile at Leopardstown) and hope the ground is good.
“She’s the best filly I’ve ever trained and I’ve had some really good fillies.
“She just comes out on top, you could see for yourself the courage. Pure courage. I am proud, I’m proud of everyone. I’m proud of myself as well!”
On whether he considered withdrawing her when the rain fell so heavily, the trained quipped: “When you look at the prize pot and see the cheque you could get… we need the money!”
Andrew Balding’s See The Fire was the third-placed horse at 5-2 under Oisin Murphy, beaten six and a quarter lengths in total.
“Conditions weren’t ideal obviously, but who is to say we would have beaten the winner anyway?” said the trainer.
“She didn’t have a terribly hard time and seemed OK afterwards. We will kick on to York for the Juddmonte International.”
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