Darkness Falls edges Desert Castle in thrilling Dewhurst battle

Darkness Falls edged Desert Castle in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket, taking the lead on the 2000 Guineas market after beating an undefeated rival in a thrilling finish. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the Camelot colt dropped back from a mile to seven furlongs and one after winning the Golden Fleece Stakes at Leopardstown last time out. Already a Derby favourite, he proved he had both pace and stamina. With Ryan Moore urging him to take the lead approaching the dip, Darkness Falls held on by a neck at odds of 6-4, with Desert Castle—10-11 favourite—and William Buick behind.