The well-traveled Nations Pride added another Group One victory to his impressive resume by winning the Arlington Million at Colonial Downs on Sunday.

Trained by Charlie Appleby, the five-year-old gelding began his career with two wins as a juvenile. He then kicked off his three-year-old season with a notable victory at Meydan, followed by a Listed win at Newmarket.

Although he disappointed in the 2022 Derby at Epsom, finishing eighth behind Desert Crown, Nations Pride has since thrived in international competition. He secured his first three Group One victories in the Saratoga Derby, the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis in Germany, and the Canadian International at Woodbine.

Earlier this year, he was placed in both the Man O' War Stakes and the Manhattan Stakes in the U.S., which made him the hot favorite for the Arlington Million. Nations Pride settled comfortably in the middle of the field as Sugoi set the early pace.

Jockey William Buick guided Nations Pride to the outside as they approached the home turn, and the gelding responded with a powerful finish, winning by a length and three-quarters. Integration finished second, with Charlie Hills’ Ancient Rome another half-length behind in third.

Reflecting on the victory, Buick said on Godolphin's website, "Nations Pride is an exceptional horse. He's straightforward and does exactly what you ask of him. He's a joy to ride.

"He has adapted beautifully to North American racing. While a mile and a quarter seems to be his ideal distance, he can easily stretch out to a mile and a half.

"We'll see what Charlie and the team decide for his next race."

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