Nashwan v Cacoethes: the great champion who sealed a thrilling trilogy by a neck

Class had seen Nashwan sail through each test in his Classic season with flying colours but his resolution was tested to the hilt to repel old rival Cacoethes at Ascot.

Their thrilling encounter on in 1989 was not the first time the pair had crossed paths. The Listed Autumn Stakes at the Berkshire course the previous October had provided fertile ground for a prolonged feud. Nashwan won, with Cacoethes third. It developed into a familiar theme.

The brilliance of Nashwan became apparent to all the following spring, when reports of impressive homework were confirmed accurate as he scored in the 1,000 Guineas by a length. Success in the Derby followed, with Cacoethes again third, beaten seven lengths.

Nashwan had been faultless in his three-year-old season prior to the King George, including a comfortable Derby winCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

A dominant Eclipse win later, Nashwan and Cacoethes reunited for round three. With Prix du Jockey Club and Irish Derby winner Old Vic sidelined, victory in the King George seemed a mere formality for Nashwan. At prohibitive odds of 2-9 the market agreed. It did not turn out that way.

Willie Carson blinked first on Nashwan entering the straight and set out after leader Top Class. He easily reeled in the 50-1 outsider and cruised on by at the two-furlong marker. But Greville Starkey and Cacoethes tracked the unbeaten favourite through travelling just as well, if not better, and the titanic tussle began.

Nashwan: the last horse to win the 2,000 Guineas, Derby, Eclipse and King George in the same seasonCredit: Mark Cranham

With every stride Cacoethes appeared close to having his measure but with each stride that followed Nashwan found another answer. The pattern continued into the final furlong, but the great champion would not lie down. More pressure, more answers. Result? Another win, by a neck.

The scoreline ticked over to three-zero. But it did not do justice to the runner-up, with the pair seven lengths clear of the third and 11 clear of subsequent Arc winner Carroll House.

And the diminished margin did not do justice to the outstanding Nashwan, who remains the last horse to win the 2,000 Guineas, Derby, Eclipse and King George in the same season.

You might also like:

Grundy v Bustino: the greatest duel to grace the Flat

Ready, willing, Enable: what can possibly stop the wondermare?

Andrea Atzeni bids for King George triumph on 'the coolest horse I have sat on'

bet365 join the Racing Post app. You can bet directly with bet365 on the Racing Post iOS app – to download the latest must-have free app click here