Cunningham Basking In Stewards’ Cup Sun – And Hopes Love Extends To Rajasinghe

[Wandering Eyes]

Owner Phil Cunningham has put on record his hopes that Saturday's Stewards' Cup success with Two Tribes, coupled with the fact he gave away covers to the Goodwood hero's sire Rajasinghe for free this year, will be enough to reinvigorate his pride and joy's career at stud.

Not only was Rajasinghe responsible for the Stewards' Cup winner Two Tribes, but the National Stud resident also supplied the fourth Run Boy Run, who formed part of a memorable first, fourth and fifth in the prestigious six-furlong handicap for Cunningham and trainer Richard Spencer.

The fact that two of those runners were by his own sire made things extra special, according to Cunningham, who revealed his unusual offering to breeders back in February resulted in Rajasinghe covering roughly 50 more mares than he would have had his fee remained at £3,000.

Cunningham said, “When you look back on the race now, it was all quite surreal. We watched the race out the front [of the stands] so we weren't quite sure who was in front. But I am just so pleased for all of the jockeys involved because they – David [Egan, the winning rider], George [Wood, who partnered Run Boy Run] and Saffie [Osborne aboard Twilight Calls in fifth] – are a big help to us and come ride work for us as and when we need them.”

He added, “We actually had four entries in the race because Space Cowboy was an intended runner but the poor fella has just been besieged with injuries – none of which have been his own doing. Run Boy Run and Twilight Calls were always going to be declared and, after Two Tribes won over seven furlongs at Ascot, we decided to take our chance. We were feeling we had possibly gotten to the bottom of him and that seven [furlongs] was his trip so a fast six [furlongs] at Goodwood wasn't sure to suit. But we were just creeping up and got in there off bottom weight with a penalty. Richard and I spoke on Wednesday and decided to declare him and, a massive, massive boost came when David, who had been scheduled to go to Newmarket for Kia [Joorabchian], had his plans changed so we were able to stick him back on Two Tribes. It's funny how these things work out.”

Saturday's success was yet another for Cunningham and Spencer, who joined forces in 2016 but are now seeing the fruits of what was a change of modus operandi by the owner a couple of years ago. 

Cunningham explained, “It's a partnership more than anything else and we've been together since 2016. We've had a lot of success with Richard – winning the Coventry Stakes with Rajasinghe in 2017 and the Molecomb the following year with Rumble Inthejungle. I probably came to a bit of a crossroads a couple of years ago because my Dad is not getting any younger and neither am I so I said we'd try and do this for the big days out. That's what we're in it for now – we want to be in bigger races. We brought in [bloodstock agent] Anthony Bromley two years ago and I had it in my mind that it would be a three-year plan but we're already reaping the rewards. Last year was our best year in terms of winners and prize-money which I think shows we have a better type of horse and are able to compete in those better races. This year, our two-year-olds have been a bit quieter but I think we still have the better ones who are still to come out. So it's very exciting.”

He added, “We'll be back at the yearling sales again this year. We have six homebreds who will be going into training later this year as well. That's the amazing thing, really, because it has been the little Rajasinghe homebreds who have come to the fore this season so far.”

Rajasinghe has had nine individual winners this term and, following Saturday's exploits, Cunningham has urged breeders to consider his unheralded but hugely capable young stallion next year and beyond.

He said, “I have an excellent relationship with the whole team at the National Stud and they have been very supportive. I think sometimes it helps that I don't work in the industry because I am not engrained into certain practices that have gone on in the past. I've never been one of those guys who does something a certain way just because it has always been done that way before. I sat down with Joe Bradley last February when Rajasinghe was at sub-10 covers and it just didn't make any sense to me. I was like, 'what more does this horse need to do?' We supported him to the hilt, we stood him at three grand and we were dealing down to fifteen hundred quid. I'm not sure what more we could have done to get him on the map. 

“That's why we decided to give him away for free and reimburse all of the people who had signed contracts on him. It worked out great and we ended up with 58 coverings. I just felt in my heart of hearts, whatever happened, at least I would be able to see a few more by him on the track in three years' time and that's all that mattered to me. The people who have come to the fore to use Rajasinghe are mostly trainers. I am biased but I don't think I have ever had consistency in progeny like Rajasinghe produces.”

Cunningham concluded, “It gives him a chance for next year. Obviously I'll sit down with everyone at the National Stud and discuss what direction we go. I am sure people won't expect the free offer again and I intend to stand him at three thousand next year and hopefully he gets better support.”

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