Only one week after a historic victory for Cachet in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, Highclere Agency enjoyed even more success on the Knavesmire during York’s Dante Festival. Thunderous, Spycatcher and Royal Patronage, all purchased by John & Jake Warren under Highclere Agency, finished 2^nd in their respective Gr.2 races amassing over £100,000 in prize money bringing their combined career earnings to £440,000.

The week kicked off with Spycatcher in the Gr.2 Duke of York Stakes over six furlongs. A 90,000gns purchase from Tally-Ho Stud at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale, Spycatcher finished 2^nd achieving a career best result and his highest rating of 110. With entries in the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Gr.1 July Cup, Spycatcher is sure to give his owners plenty of thrills this season.

John & Jake selected Thunderous for 70,000gns from Genesis Green Stud at Tattersalls October Book 2. He ran an almighty race in the Gr.2 Yorkshire Cup pushing the champion stayer Stradivarius to the winning post only to be denied by a length in the final strides. Commenting on his performance and future targets, chairman and managing director of Highclere, Harry Herbert said “It was exciting to see him back to his best or arguably even better. He’s been plagued with injuries, but he seems to be back in full flow. He added “We’re not certain where he’ll go next. He’s in the Hardwicke Stakes, although ideally we’ll go further than a mile and six furlongs and a race like the Goodwood Cup could be a target.”

Royal Patronage has been an outstanding purchase for John & Jake Warren having been acutely selected by the father son combo for only 62,000gns at Tattersalls October Book 1. The Gr.2 winning son of Wootton Bassett added to his impressive résumé when chasing home the new Derby favourite Desert Crown in the Gr.2 Dante Stakes. “It was an encouraging performance from Royal Patronage,” said Herbert. “No decision has been made and we’ll let the dust settle. He’ll either go for the Derby or the French Derby.”