Kris Lees Achieves Historic Sydney Cup Triumph with Changingoftheguard
Trainer Kris Lees marked one of the most unforgettable days in his illustrious career when Changingoftheguard led from start to finish to win the prestigious Group 1 $2 million Sydney Cup (3200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday. The victory, on the 20th anniversary of Lees' first Sydney Cup win with County Tyrone, was a thrilling highlight in Australian horse racing.
A Surprise Winner with a Superb Ride
Changingoftheguard, owned by a syndicate including high-profile figures Lloyd and Nick Williams, entered the race as a $61 outsider but delivered a stunning performance. Jockey Jason Collett executed a perfectly rated front-running ride, holding off all challengers to secure the marathon staying test. Lees expressed immense pride, stating, "When County Tyrone won the Sydney Cup it was one of my biggest thrills in racing, but I would have to say this is just as big a thrill."
The Sydney Cup win was part of a remarkable day for Lees, who earlier celebrated his sixth victory in the $1 million Provincial-Midway Championships Final, training the quinella with Lord Of Biscay defeating stablemate Imposant. Nick Williams, part of the ownership team, praised Lees as the "nicest guy in racing," adding to the significance of the moment.
Ownership Legacy and Historical Context
Lloyd Williams, a Hall of Fame owner renowned for his seven Melbourne Cup victories, added a fifth Sydney Cup to his impressive record with Changingoftheguard. His previous wins include Gallante (2016), Mourayan (2013), Gallic (2007), and Major Drive (1987). Changingoftheguard's victory at $51 odds marked the biggest boilover in the Sydney Cup since Murray King's 100/1 shock win a century ago, highlighting the race's unpredictable nature.
In contrast, heavily backed favourite River Of Stars, which started at $5, faded to seventh place after challenging on the turn, underscoring the day's surprises.
Changingoftheguard's Journey and Strategy
A son of legendary sire Galileo, Changingoftheguard began his career under Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien, winning three of his first nine starts, including the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot. After being purchased by the Williams team, he was sent to Lees, where he has gradually improved over 13 starts in nearly three years. Last spring, he won the City Tattersalls Club Cup and finished ninth in the Melbourne Cup.
Lees revealed a strategic masterstroke, saving blinkers for the Sydney Cup. "He ran a bold race in the Melbourne Cup, and we said after that we would save the blinkers for the Sydney Cup," Lees explained. "It was a good plan, and I'm happy we got the result." He also praised Collett's ride, noting the horse's controlled pace and resilience under pressure.
Jockey Insights and Future Prospects
Jason Collett admitted initial doubts after Changingoftheguard's ninth-place finish in the Chairman's Quality but credited a pre-race talk with Lees for boosting his confidence. "Kris said if the horse finds the bridle, he'll want to do it, and he did," Collett said. "It's pretty cool to win a Sydney Cup."
Runner-up Soul Of Spain, ridden by Tommy Berry, put in a strong effort from a poor barrier, with Berry reflecting, "If he draws a gate, he arguably wins." Third-place getter Highland Bling, a lightly-raced stayer, impressed jockey Ben Thompson, who believes the horse has significant potential. "At start 16, it feels like he's got a stack of scope left," Thompson said, highlighting bright future prospects.
This victory solidifies Kris Lees' status as a top trainer in Australian racing, with Changingoftheguard's underdog story adding to the rich tapestry of the Sydney Cup's history.
