Rogue Diplomat
Rogue Diplomat did really well to get as close as he got in the Group 2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood on Tuesday. Held up at the back of the field early on, off a moderate pace, he picked up well when moved to the outside and asked for his effort. Lake Forest quickened up in front of him and got first run, but Rogue Diplomat was closing on him all the way to the line, failing by just a neck in the end. The winner's finishing speed was over 107% of overall speed, much higher than RaceiQ's par of over 102%, and Rogue Diplomat was fastest of all through each of the last three furlongs, he dipped below 11secs for the third last and the second last furlongs.
This was another step forward by James Owen's horse on his first foray into Group company. Unlucky in the Lincoln on his debut this season, he was an impressive winner of the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot on his last run before Tuesday. A 6lb hike from the handicapper took him up to a mark of just 104, which still left him with lots to find with the top-rated horses in the Lennox, he was officially rated 15lb inferior to Lake Forest going into the race, but he proved here that he belonged in Group company. His trainer said afterwards that he would give him a break now and take him back for the autumn, possibly for the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp, or the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, and both races would be legitimate targets now. He would probably appreciate a little bit of cut in the ground, and he will always be dangerous when he can be held up off a fast pace.
Goodwood, 28th July 2026
Back