Justify’s Ruling Court Wins G1 2000 Guineas

It was a second classic winner in two years for Justify on Saturday when Ruling Court (3c Justify x Inchargeofme, by High Chaparral) justified his hype to win the Group I 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

The Godolphin-owned runner broke from the gate closed to the stands in the one-mile turf race and happily settled near the back of the field. Relaxed under William Buick, the colt wasn’t asked for much until the final three furlongs when his rider let him out a notch to go forward.

When the running turned serious in the final quarter mile, Ruling Court was ready to go and in only a few strides he was among the front markers. Ruling Court had to fight two horses for the win, but was able to build a slim margin to win by half a length.

"I love how Ruling Court did it, he's such an uncomplicated horse. We treated him like it, not looking for cover and letting him do his thing. It didn't feel like a quick gallop and he lengthened right to the line. He'll get further and he's got a huge engine," said Buick.

A €2,300,000 sale topper at last year’s Arqana May Breeze Up Sale when purchased by Godolphin, Ruling Court started 2025 with a six-length victory in the Listed Jumeriah 2000 Guineas at Meydan. Trained by Charlie Appleby, he has now won three of his four starts with his only loss being a third in the Group III Acomb Stakes last August.

Bred by Nursery Place, Manfuso, and Wilhite, Ruling Court is one of two runners out of the Grade III-placed Inchargeofme. That mare is a full sister to the Group I placed Johann Strauss and a half-sister to Camelot’s Group I placed Mythical.

This family also includes champions Miss Keller, Media Storm, and Harbour Law in addition to the multiple Group I winning Poet’s Word.

Ruling Court is the eight Grade I winner for Justify, whose City of Troy won last year’s Group I Epsom Derby. The stallion also has American Promise in today’s Grade I Kentucky Derby.