Raymond Danielson wins the Maiden Cup at Champ De Mars aboard Good Council, an Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm-bred six-year-old gelding by Oratorio (Picture: Mauritius Jockey Club). Raymond spoke afterwards about the phenomenal atmosphere on course for Mauritius’ traditional biggest race and spoke of how he had returned after riding Good Council last time and told trainer Arveen Nagdoo that they must take him to the front next time. The plan was well executed and worked out perfectly.
Raymond Danielson and the Arveen Nagadoo stable chose the perfect moment to showcase their class, as Good Council delivered a career-defining performance to capture the prestigious Phoenix Maiden Cup (Group 1) – finally making it fifth time lucky on Mauritian soil – writes the Mauritius Jockey Club.
GOOD COUNCIL winning the The Phoenix Maiden Cup at Champ De Mars in Mauritius. Picture: Mauritius Jockey Club
Jumping smartly from draw 5, #5 Good Council was immediately sent into a forward position, taking control of the pace without facing any pressure. Danielson settled him beautifully in the lead, allowing the gelding to travel comfortably throughout while keeping his rivals exactly where he wanted them.
The real test came in the home straight. As they approached the 300m, #1 The Gatekeeper (Rye Joorawon) launched a powerful challenge, with #3 Zeus (Manoel Nunes) also shifting gears to join the fight. For a moment, the race tightened dramatically – but Good Council responded like a true Group 1 performer.
Finding another gear under Danielson’s urging, he lifted strongly in the final strides, fending off both challengers to secure a brave and commanding victory.
The Gatekeeper finished a game second, while Zeus stayed on well for third.
The stipendiary report was a full one and there was plenty said about the ride on William Iron Arm by Jason Gates
This win not only crowns Good Council’s steady rise in form, but also reaffirms the Nagadoo–Danielson partnership as one of the key forces on the Classic stage this season. A well-deserved triumph in one of the island’s most iconic races.
Results
Winner Time: 2:26.55 | Track: 2.8N
| Position | Runner | Margin | SP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | GOOD COUNCIL | 1.8 | 59 |
| 2nd | THE GATEKEEPER | 1.8 | 16 |
| 3rd | ZEUS | 3.4 | 13 |
| 4th | PRIME EXAMPLE | 4.8 | |
| 5th | ALLEZ MORIS | 5.2 | |
| 6th | WILLIAM IRON ARM | 9.65 | |
| 7th | ZAKHO | 10.4 |
Scratched:
Dividends
| Pool | Horse | Dividend |
|---|---|---|
| Trifecta | 5-1-3 | 358.00 |
| Quartet | 5-1-3-6 | 3,480.00 |
| Double | 4 / 5 | 158.00 |
| Exacta | 5-1 | 283.00 |
| Swinger | 1-5 | 23.00 |
| Swinger | 3-5 | 16.00 |
| Swinger | 1-3 | 17.00 |
Photo Finish
Race Video
Steward Report:
THE GATEKEEPER – Passing the 900m, was taken outwards by WILLIAM IRON ARM, it was then eased and taken in and in doing so bumped ALLEZ MORIS. Shortly after, raced tight on the inside of WILLIAM IRON ARM. An inquiry into this incident will be held on Tuesday.
WILLIAM IRON ARM – Jumped awkwardly and shifted ground inwards, bumping ALLEZ MORIS. Passing the 1000m, was switched to the outside of PRIME EXAMPLE and in doing so carried THE GATEKEEPER and ZEUS wider on the track. Shortly after PRIME EXAMPLE was switched to the outside of GOOD COUNCIL to improve its position and in doing so carried WILLIAM IRON ARM wider on the track. Near the 800m, was eased, and taken in to secure a position closer to the rails and raced tight onto THE GATEKEEPER for some distance. Approaching the 600m, was inconvenienced and carried inwards. Hung in badly in the home straight and brushed ALLEZ MORIS on a couple of occasions, slightly unbalancing the latter.
ZEUS – From leaving the 500m, was switched to the outside of runners to improve its position and raced wide form then onwards.
GOOD COUNCIL – Raced wide in the early stages. Approaching the 100m, commenced to shifted ground outwards inconveniencing THE GATEKEEPER.
PRIME EXAMPLE – Leaving the 1600m, was switched to the outside of runners and allowed to stride forward to race closer to the lead. Leaving the 900m, switched to the outside of GOOD COUNCIL to improve carrying WILLIAM IRON ARM wider on the track.
Vet Report:
WILLIAM IRON ARM – Bled both nostrils (30 days suspension)
ALLEZ MORIS – Lame off fore
