Reel Buddy upsets Sussex

Pat Eddery reached back into the past for a vintage ride to bring the 20-1 Reel Buddy home first in a topsy-turvy renewal of the $460,000, Group 1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday.

With the antepost favorite Kalaman and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner, Where or When, scratched because of the soft ground, the Sussex shaped up like a battle between the St. James's Palace winner, Zafeen, the Dubai World Cup winner, Moon Ballad, and the 9-4 (2.25-1) post time choice, Trade Fair. But Eddery found another gear in his mount's reserves and brought Reel Buddy along the rail to defeat Statue of Liberty by a head, getting the mile in 1:40.00. Epsom Derby fourth Norse Dancer was third, with Zafeen, Moon Ballad, and Trade Fair filling the next three spots. Moon Ballad will be pointed to the 1 5/16-mile Juddmonte International at York on Aug. 19.

Just three-quarters of a length separated the first five, so this Sussex looks like a decidedly subpar affair. The Richard Hannon-trained Reel Buddy, a 5-year-old son of Mr. Greeley, is a Group 3 winner who had been third in last year's Sussex behind Rock Of Gibraltar.

Eddery, who will retire at the end of the year, won the Sussex for the sixth time. Upon returning to the jockeys' room, he received an ovation from his fellow riders.