Mr Percy, a talented thoroughbred gelding trained by Neil Morris, achieved a remarkable victory in the prestigious Jonathan Sheppard Memorial Handicap (gr. I) held at Saratoga Race Course in New York on September 2. With Graham Watters in the saddle, Mr Percy edged out Siennois by a mere neck, securing the $150,000 prize in a thrilling finish.
The race saw Sweet Will finish closely behind in third place, just another neck away from the winner. The competition was fierce, but Mr Percy demonstrated his exceptional ability over the 2⅜-mile course, completing the race in a time of 4:54.93 on a turf surface rated as good.
Carrying a weight of 152 pounds, Mr Percy was at a slight disadvantage compared to his rivals, as Siennois carried 144 pounds and Sweet Will 140 pounds. Despite this, Morris expressed confidence in his horse's versatility, stating, “He’s not a one-dimensional horse. He can go on firm ground or soft ground.”
Morris further elaborated on the race dynamics, noting that the early pace was slow, which could have impacted the outcome. “They walked the dog for the first mile and three-eighths, and I wasn’t sure that would help us or anybody,” he said. “Nobody wanted the pace. He just has a nice kick at the end of 2⅜ miles and a lot of horses don’t have that.” This late surge proved crucial as Mr Percy rallied to challenge the frontrunners in the final stretch, taking the lead just before crossing the finish line.
Originally bred in Ireland, Mr Percy began his racing career overseas before transitioning to the United States in April. Since then, he has made a significant impact, winning four of his five races under Watters' guidance. His previous performance at Saratoga on July 16 also showcased his talent, where he narrowly defeated Cyber Ninja by half a length in the John Kiser Memorial Novice Stakes.
Morris highlighted the horse's potential when they acquired him, saying, “We bought him with the potential of being a very nice stakes horse.” The recommendation from trainer Joseph O’Brien and the assistance of broker Anthony Bromley played pivotal roles in bringing Mr Percy to the United States.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Mr Percy is known for his amiable nature, earning the affectionate nickname “Perfect Percy” from his trainer. Morris described him as a horse with “a clean driving license and good grades at school,” emphasizing his good behavior and work ethic. Mr Percy is sired by Sir Percy and his dam is Lady Westminister, further underscoring his impressive lineage.
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