ROYAL ASCOT 2015 ARTICLES

ROYAL ASCOT 2015RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE

FIRST DAY, TUESDAY, JUNE 16

MARKET MOVERS - PUNTERS FEELING THE FORCE

Hong Kong challenger Able Friend has been the centre of attention for bookmakers ahead of today’s Group One Queen Anne Stakes, the opening race of Royal Ascot at 2.30pm. John Moore’s six-year-old is unbeaten in his last six starts and has been backed into 11/4 from 3/1 with Paddy Power. Ladbrokes and Betfair by contrast have reported Able Friend as friendless in the betting, drifting to 11/4 from 9/4 with both firms. Ladbrokes spokesman David Williams said: “Able Friend has been a real drifter with us this morning. There has been no substantial support for the horse.” At a bigger price, the Aidan O’Brien-trained Cougar Mountain has dropped to 25/1 from 40/1 with Sky Bet.

Air Force Blue is the significant mover in the Coventry Stakes. The two-year-old trained by Aidan O’Brien, won a maiden at the Curragh in May and is now 6/1 from 7/1 with Ladbrokes and 13/2 from 8/1 with Sky Bet. Betfair have reported Air Force Blue to be one of their best backed horses of the day, now 6/1 from 7/1.

The David O’Meara-trained G Force has attracted support for the Group One King’s Stand Stakes. The Betfred Sprint Cup winner is now 10/1 from 12/1 with Paddy Power, 10/1 from 14/1 with Ladbrokes and 9/1 from 12/1 with Sky Bet. Betfair have constricted the price of Mecca’s Angel into 11/2 from 8/1.

Make Believe is the market mover in the Group One St James’s Palace Stakes. The Andre Fabre-trained colt is 10/3 from 7/2 with Betfair. The QIPCO 2000 Guineas winner Gleneagles is the big drifter with the same company. The firm make Aidan O’Brien’s three-year-old 4/6 to win the mile contest. Betfair spokesman Barry Orr said: “We are keen to take on Gleneagles. We think if Make Believe can get a lead he will be hard to peg back.”

The Nicky Henderson-trained Broxbourne is the principal market mover in the fifth race of the day, the Ascot Handicap. The six-year-old is 12/1 from 14/1 with Paddy Power and 11/1 from 14/1 with Sky Bet. Noble Silk, the mount of Oisin Murphy, is now 22/1 from 33/1 with Sky Bet. Ladbrokes have reported the constriction in Shwaiman’s price dropping to 16/1 from 20/1, whilst also seeing a move for the Sir Mark Prescott-trained Big Thunder, 16/1 from 25/1.

Steady Pace has been all the rage for the final race of day one of the Royal Meeting; the Windsor Castle Stakes. Saeed Bin Suroor’s charge won impressively on his first start at Ascot before finishing a creditable third in a listed contest at Sandown. The two-year-old is now 6/1 from 9/1 with Sky Bet and 6/1 from 8/1 with Ladbrokes. The Jim Bolger-trained Ard San Aer is now 12/1 from 16/1 with Betfair.

TU8.



QUEEN ANNE STAKES – JOCKEYS ON GROUND

GROUND IS QUICK

Jockeys who rode in the first race of the Royal Meeting, the Group One Queen Anne Stakes, thought the ground was generally riding good to firm.

Pierre-Charles Boudot, on second-placed Esoterique, believed the ground was: “Quite firm”

Ryan Moore, aboard third-placed Cougar Mountain, described the ground as: “Good to firm.”

Richard Hughes, rider of Toormore (4th), said: “Good to firm.”

James Doyle, jockey of Night of Thunder (5th), said the ground was: “Very quick; good to firm.”

Joao Moreira, jockey of Able Friend (6th), said the ground was: “Good to firm ground out there.”

Jim Crowley, partner of Here Comes When (7th), said: “It is quick but there is a nice covering of grass.”

Silvestre de Sousa, rider of Glory Awaits (8th), thought: “It was very quick; definitely good to firm.”

Non-Runners

Mecca’s Angel is a non-runner in the King’s Stand Stakes due to the going.

Belardo is a non-runner in the St James’s Palace Stakes due to the going.

Going

After the first race, the official going was changed to Good to Firm from Good, Good to Firm in places.

Tu15.



Coventry Stakes – Winning Jockey Quotes

Buick strikes on Buratino

William Buick registered his first success of the 2015 Royal Meeting with Buratino recording a decisive two length victory in the Coventry Stakes.

Buick was able to get cover for the Mark Johnston-trained two-year-old before unleashing Buratino’s devastating turn of foot in the final furlong. Buick said: “We had a pretty good run through. He is not the fastest away but he has got a great finishing kick. It was great that we got an uninterrupted run and I could ride him as I liked.

“It is a long last furlong here at Ascot and I would have liked to have waited a bit longer but you have to go when you’re ready and he won really well. He is one of the best two year olds around.”

Buratino had won well at Epsom on his last start and Buick suggested the horse is improving all the time. He remarked: “He is a horse that has come on for every run. Mark Johnston had him spot on and he should come on again. His experience round Epsom last time helped him a fair bit today as he was more experienced than many other runners.”

As for the future, the jockey was also optimistic that Buratino could develop into a smart three-year-old. He said: “The horse is a very good two-year-old and I have no doubt that he could get seven furlongs. Let’s take everything one step at a time and see how he continues to progress. It seemed like the field was pretty strung out so it felt like a good performance.”

Buick is in his first season as a retained jockey for Godolphin and the relief to get a winner on the board early at the meeting was evident. He added: “It is huge to get a winner on the board so early. It is a big week for Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin so it is good to get the first one out the way.”

Tu18.



Race 2: Coventry StakesPlaced quotes

MOORE HAPPY WITH AIR FORCE BLUE

Ryan Moore rode Air Force Blue, trained by Aidan O’Brien, into second place in the Group Two Coventry Stakes, two lengths behind the winner Buratino.

Moore said: “He was fine at that trip, travelled nicely and then he saw it out really well.”

Harry Herbert, racing manager of Al Shaqab Racing, owners of third-placed Eltezam, was pleased with the Kodiac colt’s efforts.

He said: “He’s run a hell of a race, so we will take a view either to go to Newmarket or wait and go to Goodwood for the Vintage Stakes. We’ll see how he comes out of the race. He got a little bit warm in the parade ring, but he’s run a fantastic race.”

Eltezam was ridden by Frankie Dettori, who said: “He travelled ok today, he just got quite warm. He would be the sort of horse who may in time go up in distance and that could suit him.”

Tu19.


FIRST DAY, TUESDAY, JUNE 16Group One King’s Stand StakesPlace quotes

Gask Gutted after Medicean Man’s Near MissTrainer Jeremy Gask was left wondering what could have been after 50/1 shot Medicean Man was headed close home by Goldream and beaten a short-head. The Warminster trainer said: “I’ve never been happier to finish second but at the same time it is frustrating. It was a bob of the heads and his head was up right at the line. He would have fulfilled a life ambition to win this race but we have to be pleased with that.

“Not everything went to plan as he did get exposed early on and he would have liked more cover early on but it was still a great performance.”

Gask paid credit to the courage of the horse: “He is nine years old and so to run like that is unbelievable. I really thought he had it. He is a wonderful horse - we have never really had a day’s problem with him. He is a great horse to train.”

The trainer also spoke highly of Joao Moreira who came in for the ride as a late replacement for Damien Oliver: “Joao wasn’t going to ride him initially as we wanted Damien Oliver but he got injured. However, Joao was a magnificent replacement and he has given the horse a great ride. So much credit has to go to the horse and jockey who were so brave.

As to the future, Gask is keen in the long run to take the horse back to Meydan next year. He added: “He didn’t run in the Al Quoz Sprint this year which I thought would have favoured him as he likes Dubai and it is a good place to start the season off for him. He never really has many early season targets so we will look to go back there next year and hopefully he can come back for this race again in 12 months time. Most of his targets are always in the second half of the season so we can now decide where we want to go next.”

Angus Gold, racing manager to Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, was pleased with the performance of third-placed Muthmir. He remarked: “The horse has ran a fabulous race. I thought the horses were coming across so Paul Hanagan had to go through a gap, so he had to go 100 yards earlier than he would have liked. Paul felt if he had been able to sit for another 100 yards that would have really helped the horse - he may have been able to use his turn of speed. No-one is complaining; he has run brilliantly and we can have no real excuses. He settled pretty well and he is right up there with the best of them in the sprinting ranks. I hope he can have his day in one of these big races soon and he keeps on improving.

“He is a horse who can just switch off and then can go flat out when asked to. He is going the right way and we have to be happy with that. We have no real plans at the moment but we felt he is better at five furlongs. He doesn’t want two races quite quickly after one another so we will space out his races and have a look.”

Andrea Atzeni, jockey of fourth-placed Pearl Secret thought the quick ground and draw may have cost his charge. He said: “The draw may have cost me as I was drawn to the other side of all the action that was going on up front. We were just a little too far from the other side and so we had nothing to aim for up front because of that. He was a little too keen for his own good early on but he has run an absolute blinder and we are very pleased. I just think the ground was against him a little. If it had been a little softer, he may have got there but to run on that well on ground he may not have liked was great.”

Tu22.



St James’s Palace Stakes – Winning Jockey Quotes

MOORE STRIKES ON GLENEAGLES

Ryan Moore recorded a decisive victory aboard dual Guineas winner Gleneagles in the St James’s Palace Stakes. Moore stalked the leaders on the son of Galileo before blitzing the opposition with a devastating turn of foot to record a two and a half-length victory.

Moore said; “He went really well, settling nicely and I was able to drop in him. I’m really happy with the performance.

“He was impressive in both the English and Irish Guineas and things didn’t work out perfectly for him in those two races but he has won really well here today. I didn’t think Frankie Dettori was going to lead on Consort. I know the horse from home and he stays very well so I made sure to track him.”

Moore was effusive in his praise of the three-year-old. He remarked: “This horse has got a very good turn of foot. It was a muddling race - it was a bit messy early and Frankie got his own way in front. He has made up three lengths there and he is just a pleasure to ride. I think that he is getting better.”

As for the future, Moore suggested the horse could handle a step up in distance if asked to. He said: “He could get a little further but he has plenty of pace so there’s no real need. I am sure plans will be made for him later on.”

Moore added: “Royal Ascot and riding proper horses - that’s why we do it. You want to ride the best horses and he’s about the best one of his generation at the minute.”

Tu26.



Ascot Handicap – Winning Jockey and Trainer Quotes

WARRIOR BATTLES ON GAMELY

The Willie Mullins-trained Clondaw Warrior stayed on gamely to win the Ascot Handicap by half a length under Ryan Moore. The eight-year-old was out the back for most of the two and a half mile race before being brought to the front by Moore inside the final furlong. It was an 8.2/1 double for Moore after his success on Gleneagles.

Mullins said: “None of us gave Ryan any order on how to ride him. We let him do what he wanted as he is so good round here.

“The only thing I said to Ryan was that the horse had one burst of speed. I thought that had finished with 100 yards remaining, when the runner-up tried to come upsides, but Clondaw Warrior pulled it out again. Everything went great for him.

“I think the ground made the difference as he never pulled out that sort of effort over hurdles. He enjoyed that really quick fast ground. I didn’t think he would be able to get back up because he normally just has that one burst but thankfully he found more today.”

As for the future, Mullins will now send the horse for a tilt at the Galway Hurdle. He added: “This was the plan to come here as the owners wanted a runner at Royal Ascot. We felt we had to take our chance and it worked. The Galway Hurdle will be the second part of the plan.”

Moore said the horse’s staying power was the pivotal factor: “I was flat out the whole way, but this horse stays so well and that has made a big difference.

“I was never going well, but when we turned in the leaders started coming back and I knew he would keep going.”

Moore was effusive in his praise of the winning trainer. He added: “I would say Willie (Mullins) has trained him for this race for a long time and, when it comes to targeting these races, there are few better than him.”

Tu29.



Windsor Castle Stakes – Placed Quotes

RYAN OVER THE MOON WITH AREEN

Trainer Kevin Ryan was delighted with the run of Areen, who stayed on strongly under Jamie Spencer to finish second by a head to Washington DC in the Windsor Castle Stakes. The son of Kodiac had lost his chance at Sandown last time after being shoved at the start, and Ryan was pleased the horse could show his true credentials today.

He said: “He had a bad draw at Sandown and the horse inside him jumped and went left-handed, shoving him into the middle of the track. That is why Jamie Spencer rides for us. He knew his chance had gone and looked after the horse in that race and that is the reason why he has run so well today. Jamie has given him a superb ride.

“We were pretty confident he was going to run a big race today. I was glad I ran him at Sandown as that gave him experience. It really benefited the horse, and just looking at him now he is going to grow and mature.”

As for the future, Ryan underlined that the step up to six furlongs would not hold any issues for the two-year-old. He remarked: “We will give him three or four weeks off now. Six furlongs won’t be a problem for him. I’ll sit down with Jamie after Royal Ascot and decide where to go with him.

“That looked on paper a harder race than the Norfolk Stakes, where I also could have run him. We had to run him in one of the two races and we chose this one. There is no easy option in these big races and so we are absolutely delighted with the horse.”

James Doyle was also happy with the run of Steady Pace. The Saeed Bin Suroor-trained colt stayed on well under Doyle to finish third. He said: “We are really pleased with him, it was a smashing run. Something was amiss at Sandown last time and that was his true running here today. We’re delighted.”

Tu35.

ROYAL ASCOT 2015RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICESECOND DAY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17

PUNTERS GOING LOCO FOR ACAPULCOOne-time Derby hope Sir Isaac Newton has been backed ahead of the first race on day two of the Royal Meeting, the Jersey Stakes (2:30pm). The son of Galileo bolted up in a Gowran Park maiden last time and Ryan Moore will be targeting his fourth winner of the meeting. Sky Bet make the Aidan O’Brien-trained three-year-old 8/1 from 11/1, while Betfair have dropped the horse’s price to 10/1 from 12/1. Betfair spokesman Barry Orr said: ‘’Multiples will well and truly be on the move if Moore rides the first winner as we have seen massive business on all his six rides in cross multiple bets.” Paddy Power and Ladbrokes have also reported support for the William Haggas-trained Hathal who is now 12/1 from 14/1 with both firms.

The Wesley Ward-trained Acapulco is the principal mover for the Queen Mary Stakes (3:05pm). The two-year-old bids to provide his trainer with a fifth Royal Ascot winner and is now 4/1 from 9/2 with Paddy Power, 9/2 from 11/2 with Betfair and 4/1 from 5/1 with Sky Bet, Ladbrokes and Boylesports. The Mark Johnston-trained pair Rah Rah and Delizia have also seen support. Sky Bet have constricted the price of Rah Rah to 11/1 from 12/1, whilst Ladbrokes make Delizia 9/1 from 12/1.

Integral is the warm favourite for the third race of the afternoon, the Duke of Cambridge Stakes (3.40pm). The Sir Michael Stoute-trained mare won this race last year and has been well supported to do so again today. Paddy Power and Boylesports have shortened the five-year-old to 5/6 from evens, whilst Sky Bet go 10/11 from evens and Betfair 10/11 from 11/10.

Spielberg, trained in Japan by Kazuo Fujisawa, is a mover for the Group One Prince of Wales’s Stakes (4.20pm). The six-year-old is now 8/1 from 9/1 with Paddy Power. Ladbrokes have also reported support for French raider Gailo Chop who was second to Solow on his last start. He is now 10/1 from 12/1. Ladbrokes spokesman David Williams said: “Punters are trying to look beyond the front runners in the market so the money for Gailo Chop is interesting.” Boylesports have also reported support for the Dermot Weld-trained Free Eagle. The four-year-old was third in the QIPCO Champion Stakes last year and is now 3/1 from 100/30.

The Karl Burke-trained You’re Fired has been well backed for the Royal Hunt Cup (5pm). The four-year-old was a creditable second at York last time, with Betfair constricting his price to 14/1 from 20/1. Frankie Dettori’s mount Ayaar is now 10/1 from 11/1 with Betfair. Also, Ladbrokes have decreased the prices on Speculative Bid to 10/1 from 12/1 and Munaaser 16/1 from 20/1.

Godolphin bids to gain a second win of the Royal Meeting courtesy of Always Smile in the Sandringham Handicap (5.35pm). The daughter of Cape Cross is unbeaten in three starts, and is now 5/2 from 11/4 with Sky Bet. Ladbrokes make the filly 5/2 from 7/2, with the firm reporting the horse to be “the best backed horse of the day with us.”

Reflecting on yesterday’s results, Betfair, Ladbrokes and Paddy Power said that Ryan Moore’s 54/1 treble had dented their coffers. It was reported that the industry as a whole lost £10 million yesterday, with bookmakers hoping day two of the Royal Meeting provides some sort of reprieve.

Betfair spokesman Barry Orr, said the victories enjoyed by Ryan Moore aboard Gleneagles, Washington DC and Clondaw Warrior, were a blow for the firm. He remarked: “Ryan Moore’s treble was a bad result. We have already paid out on Ryan Moore to be top jockey at 1/12 after going a top price 4/9 before the meeting. Looking ahead to today, he has another good book of rides.

“It was a bad day but we will not be so far behind if we get a few good results today.”

Paul Binfield, representative for Paddy Power, said that Sole Power’s defeat in the King’s Stand was a saving grace for the company. He remarked: “Gleneagles and Clondaw Warrior were both heavily supported. Ironically, it was a horse that has cost us so many times in the past, Sole Power, who saved us yesterday.”

Binfield added: “It wasn’t an absolute disaster but we are behind for the week. We would however be optimistic that we could pull it back.”

Ladbrokes spokesman David Williams said: “We are on the back foot. It was not the best day in the world but we hope to recoup some losses today.”

W5.


POSSIBLE ROYAL ASCOT LANDMARKS

Frankie Dettori today has the opportunity to ride his 50th Royal Ascot winner. His mounts today are:Hathal – Jersey StakesBruised Orange – Queen Mary StakesEuro Charline – Duke of Cambridge StakesWestern Hymn – Prince of Wales’s StakesAyaar – Royal Hunt CupOsaila – Sandringham Handicap

Aidan O’Brien bids to win a fourth Jersey stakes today. The Ballydoyle handler has also won the race in two of the past three years. Father Frost and Sir Isaac Newton could augment O’Brien’s record. Richard Hughes has won the Jersey Stakes three times. He is aboard Ivawood this afternoon.

Barry Hills attempts to win his third Jersey Stakes today. He trains Fadhayyil.

Wesley Ward bids for a second victory in the Queen Mary Stakes. Jealous Again was successful for the US trainer in 2009 and he runs Acapulco and Bruised Orange today.

Richard Hughes is after a third victory in the Queen Mary Stakes aboard Ring Of Truth. The jockey won the race in 2006 and 2011.

Integral goes for back-to-back victories in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes, having won the race under Ryan Moore last year.

Sir Michael Stoute aims to win his fifth Duke of Cambridge Stakes after success in 2004, 2005, 2010 and 2014.

Ryan Moore seeks a third success in today’s Duke of Cambridge Stakes. He was victorious in 2010 and 2014.

Cheveley Park Stud has owned four winners of the Duke of Cambridge Stakes. Integral bids to improve that record to five this afternoon.

Ectot and Gailo Chop are out to improve the record of French-trained winners of the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. French-trained horses have been victorious five times.

John Gosden bids to record back-to-back victories in today’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes. He trained The Fugue to win last year and runs Western Hymn today. The Newmarket trainer also attempts to win the race for the fourth time following victories in 1994, 1995 and 2014.

Frankie Dettori aims to win his fourth Prince of Wales’s Stakes. He was successful in 2001, 2002 and 2011 and partners Western Hymn.

Jamie Osborne, Adam Kirby and Field Of Dream attempt to replicate their success in the Royal Hunt Cup a year ago.

Trainer George Baker bids to win a second Royal Hunt Cup in three years. He runs Boomshackerlacker and Jack’s Revenge today.

Jimmy Fortune is after a third Royal Hunt Cup. He rides Spark Plug today and was previously successful in 2002 and 2007.

Paul Hanagan will register consecutive victories in the Sandringham Handicap if Sulaalaat can win today. He rode Muteela to victory last year.

Richard Kingscote has ridden the winner in two of the last four runnings of the Sandringham Handicap. He bids to make that three in five courtesy of Hundi.

Michael Bell has trained the winner of the Sandringham Handicap twice before. He runs Touchline today, who is owned by Her Majesty The Queen, seeking her 23rd Royal Ascot success. Her Majesty also owns Pack Together in the Sandringham Handicap and Ring Of Truth in the Queen Mary Stakes.

W9.


JERSEY STAKES - JOCKEYS ON GROUND

GROUND IS QUICK

Jockeys who rode in the first race of day two of the Royal Meeting thought the ground was quick.

Jim Crowley, partner of the half-length winner Dutch Connection, said: “It is lighting quick fast ground out there.”

Paul Hanagan, partner of second-placed Fadhayyil, said: “the ground was very firm.”

Charles Bishop, aboard third-placed Bossy Guest, said: “The ground was really quick.”

Pat Dobbs, jockey of Tupi (4th), thought the ground was: “That was very quick. The ground is firm.”

James Doyle, partner of Toscanini (5th), said: “It was very quick. The ground is firm.”

Ryan Moore, on Sir Isaac Newton (6th), believed it was: “very firm ground out there.”

Martin Harley, on Fanciful Angel (7th), believed the ground was: “Firm.”

Silvestre de Sousa, rider of Mister Universe (8th), remarked that the ground was: “Firm.”

Joseph O’Brien, partner of Father Frost (9th) remarked: “It is lovely ground.”

Frankie Dettori, jockey of Hathal (10th), described the ground as: “Really quick firm ground.”

Jamie Spencer, rider of Volatile (12th), said: “Quick ground.”

Andrea Atzeni, rider of Aces (13th), remarked that the ground was: “Very quick.”

William Buick, riding Devonshire (15th), believed it was: “Firm.”

Pat Cosgrave, rider of Harry Hurricane (16th), said: “Very fast firm ground.”W15.


Jersey Stakes – Winning Jockey Quotes

CROWLEY’S CONNECTION WITH DUTCH

Jim Crowley was delighted to ride his first winner of the 2015 Royal Meeting, gaining a gutsy success on the Charlie Hills-trained Dutch Connection. The two-year-old travelled well under Crowley, finding cover before showing a good turn of foot to win by half a length.

The jockey thought that the mixture of cover during the race and the quick ground were vital for the son of Dutch Art. Crowley said: “It is the first time I have sat on the horse. He had some very smart form coming into the race and the drop back to seven furlongs was his thing as was the quick ground.

“It is very quick ground. It was the first time I have ridden him but the way he moved, he loved the ground.”

“The race couldn’t have worked out any better. He got a lovely tow into the race and he picked up nicely. We got a great run through and I was lucky I had the right horses around me to tow me into the race which is what you need.

“I was probably in front soon enough, but when I angled him out I had to go.

As for the future, Crowley suggested the horse may be best at today’s trip, seven furlongs. “This is a very good division. He will probably be alright over an easy mile. Clearly his better trip is seven”.

W13.


DOYLE SOLVES A PROBLEM LIKE MARIA

James Doyle rode his first winner of the 2015 Royal Meeting aboard 25/1 shot Amazing Maria. The David O’Meara-trained four-year-old was able to find cover under Doyle before quickening up smartly to win by two lengths.

Doyle was adamant that his ability to get cover on the filly was pivotal today. He said: “Today I just got her to drop her head, relax and get loads of cover and I was hoping they would get racing a fair way out. They actually went quite steady and then William Buick on Rizeena upped the pace and we got racing from about halfway.

“My filly was push button today. It was a great effort from the whole team and I was just a small part in it.”

Doyle also made reference to the daughter of Mastercraftsman’s other two runs this season at Ascot and the Curragh. On both occasions, it was the filly’s inability to find cover which had ruined her chances. “When she ran at Ascot before, she got sucked into the race a bit soon and so David O’Meara said to me to just let her enjoy herself.

“We went to Ireland at the Curragh and three horses all raced along the rail and I couldn’t give this filly any cover the whole race so she was just racing a bit gassy but still ran a hell of a race. Today I was able to get switched off and she quickened up really well.”

W21.


SMULLEN FLIES HIGH WITH FREE EAGLEPat Smullen registered his first success of the 2015 Royal Meeting with a game success on board 5/2 favourite Free Eagle in the Group One Prince of Wales’s Stakes. The Dermot Weld-trained four-year-old held on resolutely under Smullen to repel a late challenge from the Kevin Ryan-trained The Grey Gatsby, to win by a short-head.

Smullen had to take up the lead earlier than he had anticipated on the son of High Chaparral, but despite a 242 day absence, the horse galloped all the way to the line.

Smullen said: “He has obviously been off for such a while and the race went very steady and that is why I wanted to sit and wait on him. I probably sat closer than I had anticipated beforehand and committed earlier than I thought, but that is how the race unfolded.

“I am relieved because I have been saying for the last two years how good this horse is and thankfully he is starting to show it. He thrived on that ground. He is a wonderful horse who has a great action and that has played to his strengths today.

“He is just a very good horse and he was able to show on that very quick summer ground what a fantastic horse he is.”

The Irish jockey also suggested the step up to a mile and a half would not hold any issues for the colt. He remarked: “While he has plenty of pace, I do think he will improve going further. He galloped all the way to the line and on that evidence he would get a mile and a half.

“The Irish Champion Stakes would obviously be a possible but the race I would love to win is the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe.”

Smullen also paid tribute to Free Eagle’s trainer Dermot Weld. The Irish handler has slowly brought the horse along and today’s result was evidence of a masterful piece of training by Weld.

“Smullen said: “I can’t tell you how good a training performance that was. It has not been anything but difficult as there is nothing easy about getting Free Eagle here today.

“Truth be known I didn’t think he was going to show his true ability here today because it has been a troubled interruption. Dermot backed off and was patient with him, giving the horse the time he needed, he got him fresh.

“Jockeys can make mistakes by going too soon or trainers can by doing one more piece of work but Dermot didn’t and he put it on trust to let the horse show good he was and it paid off today.

“I didn’t think I have got as much pleasure from riding a winner as I did from him to be honest.”W26.


GATSBY STARS IN DEFEATThe Grey Gatsby’s defeat in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes will surely be remembered as one of the hard-luck stories of Royal Ascot 2015.

When the eventual winner, Free Eagle, was sent on by jockey Pat Smullen, Frankie Dettori on third-placed Western Hymn made the same move on his outside, with the result that The Grey Gatsby became held in. It was not until Western Hymn began to fade that Jamie Spencer was able to drive The Grey Gatsby for the line, and he made up more than a length inside the final furlong before going down by a short-head.

Kevin Ryan, who trains the runner-up, was not dejected, and said: “I’m not disappointed, and you probably think I should be, but I’ve got the horse back to his best and I’m looking forward to the big races ahead. He’s in the Eclipse, the King George and the Juddmonte, but it’s unfortunate we don’t have a pacemaker for him, which is what he needs. If he was owned by one of the big firms, he would have a pacemaker to ensure an end-to-end gallop, but this was always our first aim and no one can say we didn’t get it right.

“Over the first two furlongs I thought to myself ‘they are going a good gallop here’, but then they half pulled up, and my horse became half locked-up. But it was a great horse race and he is back to his best. Jamie would have liked to get out a lot earlier, but you can’t barge your way out and that’s the rub of the green in racing. After the line he was in front.

“I knew he was in great shape, and I didn’t hide the fact that when we ran him in Ireland [when fourth in the Group One Tattersalls Gold Cup] it was a prep run for this meeting. That might sound stupid given it was a Group One race, but he has a lot of races ahead and I was quietly confident he would put up a big show today.“In racing there are often tiny margins, and it was a great training performance by Dermot Weld with the winner.“For me there is pleasure in knowing I never lost faith in the horse – he had a break after he ran in Dubai and we knew he was heavy when he ran in Ireland. He does himself well, and far better than the trainer!”

John Gosden, the trainer of Western Hymn, also lamented the pace at which the race was run, and said he wished US challenger California Chrome had run as intended before a foot injury intervened. Gosden said: “That was a fabulous run. That is top draw racing and he acquitted himself with real credit; it was a brilliant run. We probably wished we had more pace to run at, and poor old California Chrome could have helped us with that. We are over the moon with him.”


GM HOPKINS FOR GOSDEN & GEFFEN PLUS MOORE’S FIFTH WIN

John Gosden’s GM Hopkins was a smart winner of the Royal Hunt Cup. The four-year-old, an 8/1 chance, was held up under Ryan Moore before staying on steadily to register a neck success over Temptress.

The son of Dubawi’s ability to find cover under Moore was seen as the key factor for a horse, who when he hits the front, does not always find a lot. Gosden said: “It was a very high standard race. We didn’t think the pace was on our side but it turned out that it was.

“Ryan rode a beautiful race, covered him up well and then said to me he got there too soon but he was following Frankie Dettori and he had to go. It is a big moment to win the Hunt Cup.”

The Newmarket handler made reference to the four-year-old’s creditable second at Newbury last time which had helped get the gelding primed for today’s assignment. He remarked: “He was unlucky at Newbury last time but today things fell right. He ran a super race then and went up six pounds. To win these big handicaps, now you can’t be too clever with the weights because you just don’t get into the race.”

As for the future Gosden added: “I think we will go to France for a Listed race.”

It was a first Royal Ascot success for owner Robin Geffen who owns horses on the Flat and over the jumps. Geffen said: “It is just fantastic I have never won a race at Ascot on the Flat or over jumps and it is totally thanks to John we are here. It was a brilliant race.

“This horse had his moments. He was favourite for the Lincoln and it didn’t go our way that day as he wasn’t right but today he was right and really sharp. He was given a brilliant ride in a race with 30 horses and the field split into two groups. This horse has to come late and it is not an armchair ride. We will find a Listed race and who knows there may be a Group Three in him.”

The success of GM Hopkins capped a memorable day for Geffen who had earlier seen Western Hymn finish a good third in the Group One Prince of Wales’s Stakes. The owner said: “GM Hopkins and Western Hymn are both fantastic horses, but the one thing you need is a brilliant trainer and I have got the best trainer in the world, I really do.

“Western Hymn ran a blinder on ground on the fast side for him. He was given a brilliant ride by Frankie Dettori and he has improved this year. Many horses don’t go on from three to four but having him gelded was the making of him and we have been lucky to have him.

“We have a lot left to look forward to with both these horses and we will be back next year in the Prince of Wales with Western Hymn.”

Geffen added: “We have had some fantastic days but to come third in a Group One and win a Royal Hunt Cup, which is probably the most competitive mile handicap of the season, is fantastic.”

Moore, gaining his fifth success of Royal Ascot 2015, said: “I was worried where we were drawn because there wasn’t a lot of pace. Fortunately, they have led us along nicely and we were always just ahead of the other side.

“My horse has travelled very well and I wanted to wait as long as I could. In the end, I had to go sooner than I would have liked because Frankie (Dettori) was stopping in front of me.”

W29.


Sandringham Handicap – Placed Quotes

SHORTER TRIP FOR TOUCHLINE

Trainer Michael Bell was pleased with the run of 15/2 chance Touchline, owned by Her Majesty The Queen. The three-year-old finished third behind Osaila and Always Smile but travelled into the race going nicely before tiring in the closing stages.

Bell said: “She was getting to the leaders and she looked to hold a great chance but she just got tired and couldn’t keep going. It was the stiff mile which found her out at the end.”

The Newmarket handler will now look to drop the filly back in trip. He added: “We will go back in trip with her now and see if there are any opportunities for her over shorter.”

W34.


THIRD DAY, THURSDAY, JUNE 18

PUNTERS HOPING KINGFISHER IS CROWNED GOLD CUP WINNER

Richard Hannon looks to have a strong hand in today’s opening race on the third day Royal Ascot 2015, the Norfolk Stakes (2.30pm). The Wiltshire handler has the favourite King Of Rooks and the Godolphin-owned Log Out Island, with the latter being well supported this morning. William Hill have dropped his price to 9/4 from 11/4 and Betfair go 2/1 from 5/2. King Of Rooks is a strong even-money favourite with Boylesports but has been a slight drifter with Betfair, who now go 11/10 from 10/11.

Time Test, ridden by Frankie Dettori, is a strong favourite for the Tercentenary Stakes (3.05pm). An impressive winner at Newbury on his seasonal reappearance, the son of Dubawi will aim to give Frankie Dettori his 51st Royal Ascot success. Betfair and Boylesports make the colt 2/1 from 5/2, whilst Paddy Power go 5/2 from 11/4. The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Disegno is also attracting support. The three-year-old will bid to give Ryan Moore a sixth winner at Royal Ascot 2015. He was narrowly denied at Chester in May and William Hill make the colt 8/1 from 10/1 while Boylesports go 7/1 from 10/1.

The David Wachman-trained Curvy is a mover in the Ribblesdale Stakes (3.40pm). The daughter of Galileo is unbeaten in three starts this season and has been backed into 7/1 from 8/1 with Paddy Power and 13/2 from 8/1 with Boylesports. Boylesports representative Leon Blanche said: “There is a lot of each-way money coming for Curvy. This is all about the Ryan Moore factor and punters are looking at the each-way angle because there is a solid favourite.” That favourite is the Jim-Bolger trained Pleascach, who is offered at 10/11. Betfair have also reported money for Pamona, who is 6/1 from 7/1.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Kingfisher is a significant market mover in today’s feature race, the Group One Gold Cup (4.20pm). O’Brien has won the race six times, including last year with Leading Light. Kingfisher aims to improve that record today following a smart display at Leopardstown in the Saval Beg Stakes. William Hill have constricted his price to 8/1 from 11/1 and Paddy Power 9/1 from 12/1. Forgotten Rules is a solid 5/2 favourite with Boylesports as he attempts to provide Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen with a second winner of Royal Ascot 2015, following Free Eagle’s success in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes yesterday. Betfair have also noted support for the Willie Mullins-trained Simenon, who is 11/1 from 14/1.

The Godolphin-owned Portage is a notable mover in the Britannia Handicap (5.00pm). The three-year-old is now 9/1 from 10/1 with Boylesports and 10/1 from 11/1 with William Hill. Boylesports report the colt to be their best backed horse of the day. At a bigger price, War Envoy has dropped to 16/1 from 20/1 for trainer Aidan O’Brien and jockey Ryan Moore.

Dissolution with Moore riding, attempts to provide Sir Michael Stoute with a first winner of Royal Ascot 2015 in the King George V Stakes (5.35pm). The son of New Approach is 4/1 from 5/1 with William Hill. Putting Green, the mount of Cam Hardie, is now 16/1 from 25/1 with Paddy Power and 14/1 from 20/1 with Boylesports. King Bolete is 13/2 from 7/1 Boylesports.

Reflecting on yesterday’s results, Paul Binfield, spokesman for Paddy Power said: “Yesterday was much better for us. The victories of Acapulco and Free Eagle were not great. Free Eagle was particularly bad because punters ignored his lay off and, being an Irish firm, we saw strong support for him.

“However, Ivawood losing was a massive help particularly after Richard Hannon had been talking up the horse’s chances before the race. The winner Dutch Connection was relatively unconsidered in the market, so that helped us end up on top. After the first two days, we are still behind but the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step and we hope to be up by the end of the week.”

Leon Blanche, representative for Boylesports, said: “It wasn’t a bad day for us. Free Eagle’s win was probably the worst result as that turned into a six-figure loss. If the Grey Gatsby had got up, it would have been a six-figure win for us. Always Smile’s narrow defeat to Frankie Dettori and Osaila in the last was a great result for us.

“Overall, it was a good day, but we are still behind. However, we do have plenty of chances still to go.”

Th5.



POSSIBLE ROYAL ASCOT LANDMARKS

Ryan Moore is out to beat his own personal record for Royal Ascot of six winners, which he managed in 2014. Today he rides: Waterloo Bridge (Norfolk Stakes); Disegno (Tercentary Stakes); Curvy (Ribblesdale Stakes); Kingfisher (Gold Cup); War Envoy (Britannia Handicap); Dissolution (King George V Handicap).

Frankie Dettori, Richard Hannon and Al Shaqab Racing target successive victories in the Norfolk Stakes. They run King Of Rooks. Frankie Dettori has won the Norfolk Stakes three times.

Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore go for back-to-back victories in the Tercentenary Stakes, following Cannock Chase’s victory last year, with Disegno today. Ryan Moore has won the Tercentenary Stakes twice as has Sir Michael, in 2014 and 2009.

Aidan O’Brien seeks a third success in the Tercentenary Stakes. Cape Clear Island is out to augment that record for the Ballydoyle handler.

Aidan O’Brien, Joseph O’Brien and Coolmore were victorious in the Ribblesdale Stakes in 2014, courtesy of Bracelet. Wedding Vow is their runner in the race today.

Godolphin bids to gain a sixth success in the Ribblesdale Stakes with Entertainment and Pleascach.

Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning target a second Ribblesdale Stakes with Pleascach after Banimpire in 2011.

Frankie Dettori has won the Ribblesdale Stakes on six occasions. He partners Zamoura.

Aidan O’Brien seeks to win his seventh Gold Cup in today’s Group One showpiece. He runs Kingfisher today.

Kingfisher also bids to provide O’Brien and Coolmore with back-to-back victories in the Gold Cup, following Leading Light’s victory in 2014.

Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen attempt to win a second Gold Cup. The pair were successful with Rite Of Passage in 2010 and run Forgotten Rules this year

Ryan Moore will bid to win the Gold Cup for the second time in three years today. He is aboard Kingfisher and won the race in 2013 on Her Majesty The Queen’s Estimate.

Frankie Dettori has won the Gold Cup five times. He rides Forever Now in this year’s renewal.

Andrew Balding trained the winner of the 2014 renewal of the Britannia Handicap, courtesy of Born In Bombay. He runs Make It Up.

John Gosden has trained four winners of the Britannia Handicap. He has Malaf and Sugar Boy today.

Saeed Bin Suroor trained Elite Army to success in the 2014 renewal of the King George V Handicap. He runs Keep In Line in the same contest today.

Sir Michael Stoute has been successful in the King George V Handicap five times. His runners today are Dissolution, Rib Reserve and Dartmouth.

Mark Johnston has trained five previous winners of the King George V Handicap. He runs Yorkidding. Th8.



NORFOLK STAKES – JOCKEYS ON GROUND

GROUND IS STILL QUICK

Jockeys who rode in the first race of day three of Royal Ascot 2015 indicated that the ground was still riding quick.

William Buick, on board the half length second Log Out Island, remarked: “Good to firm.”

Frankie Dettori, riding third-placed King Of Rooks, believed it was: “Still very quick. Pretty similar to yesterday.”

James Doyle, on Riflescope (4th), described it as: “Like yesterday. Very quick.”

Silvestre de Sousa, aboard Rogues’ Gallery (5th), thought it was: “It is still very quick. I think it could be quicker than yesterday.”

Liam Jones, rider of French Encore (6th), said it was: “Ground very similar to yesterday.”

Pat Cosgrave, jockey of Ajaya (7th), thought the ground was: “Good to firm.”

Tom Eaves, partner of Jazz Legend (8th), described the ground as: “It is very quick ground.”

David Probert, jockey of Ocean Eleven (9th), said: “The ground is very quick and it feels like it is still very dry.”

James McDonald, on board Shanghai Glory (10th), said: “It is really quick ground. Good to firm.”

Th17.



MOORE EQUALS HIS BEST ROYAL ASCOT TOTAL WITH MORE THAN HALF OF THE MEETING REMAINING

Ryan Moore gained his sixth success of Royal Ascot 2015 in the first race, the Norfolk Stakes, of the third day, today, equalling his best total for the meeting achieved last year.Royal Ascot expanded to five days in 2002, from four days previously. Since then, the best total by a jockey has been six, achieved by Frankie Dettori (2004), Michael Kinane (2005) and Johnny Murtagh (2008) as well as Moore.

Post-war, the highest total for the four days of Royal Ascot has been eight, gained by Pat Eddery in 1989 and Lester Piggott in both 1975 and 1965. But the highest totals by riders at Royal Ascot were achieved in the nineteenth century, with Fred Archer enjoying 12 successes in 1878 and Nat Flatman 11 in 1847.

Ryan Moore said after partnering Waterloo Bridge to success in the Norfolk Stakes: “To be fair to this horse, he has probably never run on quick ground before. He has been running on soft ground and not enjoying it. This horse looked magnificent and every one of Aidan’s horses this week has run great – you can never discount them.

“Waterloo Bridge is a good horse. He travelled the whole way, he picked up and then he had a little look when he got to the front. It’s a big crowd, a big stand and things – he has never seen that before. He looks great and has been produced in terrific shape.

“I had confidence. It speaks a lot about Aidan’s knowledge of his horses, what an unbelievable trainer he is. This horse travelled like the best horse in the race and when I asked him to go and win, he did it really well.”

Aidan O’Brien, speaking at the press conference after the race, said: “Ryan gave Waterloo Bridge a great ride today. When Waterloo Bridge got there, Ryan made his mind up and sent him forward.

“Ryan is an unbelievable rider – everyone knows he is probably the greatest rider we have seen for a long, long time. We are delighted and privileged to have him working with us – first of all he is an absolute gentleman, he is 100 per cent straight and genuine and a great judge of pace. He is fully committed – a real professional in every way.”



Tercentenary Stakes – Placed Quotes

MEEHAN DELIGHTED WITH MUSTADEEM

Brian Meehan was pleased with the performance of third placed Mustadeem in the Tercentenary Stakes, who finished four lengths behind facile winner Time Test. The son of Arcano led under Paul Hanagan and stuck on resolutely to finish a creditable third.

Meehan said: “We are delighted with the run. He was just taken on for the lead a little bit when he needed to have a breather.”

The three-year-old had finished second to Peacock at Newmarket with Meehan suggesting the horse had improved from that race to finish only three-quarters of a length behind the same horse today.

He remarked: “He has run a hell of a race and stepped up on his run behind Peacock at Newmarket. He has improved from Newmarket and I think he will be a better horse when he is able to lead and get his own way in front. But we are very pleased with that.”

Future plans are up in the air for the colt but Meehan believes the horse could handle a step up in trip. The trainer said: “Paul Hanagan thought he would get further but I am more than comfortable at a mile and a quarter for the moment but Paul said he could get further if he wanted to step him up in trip.

“If he got a good lead or sat in second or third or something along those lines it would suit him and we could think about going further. He is a really nice horse.”

Meehan added: “There are no plans at the moment. I have a few things in my head but there are no targets. I will speak to the owners and see what they think but the real idea was to come here today, see how he ran here and then decide where to go with him next.”

Richard Hughes, rider of the three and a quarter length second Peacock, owned by Her Majesty The Queen, said: “I’d say we were just beaten by the better horse.”

Th20.



The Ribblesdale Stakes – Winning Quotes

CURVY WINS FOR WACHMAN

Curvy was the gutsy length winner of the Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes for trainer David Wachman and jockey Ryan Moore. The daughter of Galileo had a troubled passage during the race with Moore managing to get the horse out of trouble inside the last couple of furlongs. When the 9/2 shot found daylight, she went away to win by a length from even money favourite Pleascach.

Wachman said: “It was a very messy race and they went no gallop at all. They were clambering all over each other so she did very well to win such a messy race. A lot of the horses would not have been suited by the slow gallop but she handled it best of them all. She finished well and I think she won it quite snugly as she doesn’t do much when she gets there.

“I was confident that if she managed to get out she would have a great chance because Pleascach was starting to struggle so I wasn’t too worried about anything.

“When I saw Kevin Manning working away on his filly [Pleascach] I thought we had a chance. I thought she was going to be second best on the day but it is obviously great that she has won.”

Curvy has a host of options for possible targets later on in the season and Wachman was keeping his options open as to where she could end up. He remarked “She will probably step up to Group One class now and we will just keep her separate from Legatissimo.

“She got a free entry in the Irish Derby for winning the Gallinule and my plan was to come here and then possibly run in the Irish Derby but we will see what suits, what colts the owners have to run and what fits in with the plans. You also have the Irish Oaks so we will look at all the mile and a quarter and mile and a half races.”

Wachman added: “I have a very good jockey at home in Wayne Lordan and Wayne explained Ryan how to ride her and Ryan carried it out beautifully. It is great to have fourth winner here at Royal Ascot.”

Moore, registering a 36/1 double on the day and his seventh winner of Royal Ascot 2015, said: “She has done well to pick up immediately today. She was only doing the minimum at The Curragh [when she won the Group Three Gallinule Stakes], and she rides like a filly who always has a bit left.

"I was very worried about [Jim] Bolger’s filly though, she impressed me in the Irish Guineas, but my filly is improving.”

When asked what had caused the bit of interference in the race, Moore said: "I wasn’t sure – I think the horse on the inside shifted on to Kevin [Manning] maybe and Kevin shifted on to me, and I had to re-gather her, and she did well to pick up and win then.”

Th22.



Gold Cup – Placed Quotes

FORGOTTEN CAN RULE ON SOFTER GROUND

Dermot Weld felt 5/2 favourite Forgotten Rules may not have stayed after he finished a creditable third in the Gold Cup behind the winner Trip To Paris. The son of Nayef was cantering under jockey Pat Smullen turning into the home straight and took the lead two furlongs out before finding no more in the closing stages.

Weld suggested that the two and a half mile trip may have been too far for the gelding. He said: “I think this distance is as far as he wants to go really. He has been a winner at two miles and I thought he probably just didn’t quite get home. He has still run a big race.

“He battled again when headed and he fights back because that is the sort of horse he is but the distance is the reason I think. There is a big difference between two miles and two and a half miles. He was cantering at two miles and that is why I think he didn’t see out the trip.”

The Irish handler did not blame the fast ground for today’s defeat but he believes the horse will be a different proposition on better ground. He remarked: “It was a close call about running on the ground but we can’t blame that. On the day, we have just been beaten by the better horse.

“He is significantly better on soft ground, he cruises on it and that is what he would have favoured today. With all that said, he ran all the way to the line and he has finished third in a Gold Cup.”

Weld does not have a specific target for the horse going forward and added: “We will review the whole thing and see where we go next.”

Kingfisher, trained by Aidan O’Brien was an eye-catching second, having met trouble in the home straight. Once he found daylight under hat-trick seeking Ryan Moore, the son of Galileo flew home to finish one and a quarter lengths behind winner Trip To Paris and a neck ahead of third, Forgotten Rules. O’Brien said: “He ran a great race so we have to be happy. We were just delighted with him.”

Simenon was running in his third consecutive Gold Cup and stayed on well to take fourth. His trainer Willie Mullins said: “It was great to come back a third year in a row and get some nice prize money. It is fantastic to get into the winner’s enclosure and he has run a fantastic race.”

Th27.



Britannia Handicap – Winning Jockey Quotes

WAR ENVOY MAKES IT EIGHT FOR MOORE AT ROYAL ASCOT 2015

Ryan Moore rode his eighth winner at this year’s Royal Meeting on War Envoy in the mile Britannia Handicap. The son of War Front displayed a good turn of foot under the three-time champion jockey to win by a neck.

The victory meant Moore equalled the modern-day record of eight winners at Royal Ascot, which he now shares with Pat Eddery (1989) and Lester Piggott (1975 & 1965).

Moore said: “I knew at about halfway that I was on the right side. Early on I was worried that there were faster, more fancied horses drawn on the other side. It was only the Richard Guest horse [Udododontu] that I was able to follow.

“War Envoy is a high-class horse and a strong run mile suited him down to the ground.”

Moore has been in sensational form this week but the professional he is, the jockey was evidently frustrated that he had not also tasted success on Kingfisher – a fast-finishing second in the Gold Cup. When asked how he thought the week had gone, he replied: “I have to move on from the Gold Cup.”

Th30.



The King George V Handicap – Trainer Quotes

APPLEBY FLYING HIGH WITH SPACE AGE

Charlie Appleby recorded his first Royal Ascot winner with the success of 9/1 shot Space Age in the King George V Handicap. The son of New Approach overcame a tough draw under an enterprising ride by William Buick. The Godolphin-owned colt broke smartly under Buick who took the horse to the lead. The three-year-old was not to be caught in the home straight, staying on resolutely to deny the Andrew Balding-trained Scottish by a length and a quarter.

Appleby said: “He is a horse I have been looking forward to all week. He did well to win at Newmarket last time and I thought he had a great chance.”

Appleby did have reservations about the draw before the race. He remarked: “I was worried about the draw but William Buick did a great job in getting him out and then he was able to get quite an easy lead and dominate the race. He battled all the way to the line and it was a fantastic performance. He was really game and just kept on finding.

“It is a great effort from all the team and they have to take a lot of credit. It is fantastic to have my first Royal Ascot winner.”

Appleby reflected on the Royal Meeting. He said: “It has been a big learning curve and when I came to Royal Ascot last year I was a boy amongst men. I have learnt a lot and we went away last year hoping to come back here and win one of these big competitive handicaps. We looked after this horse and he has repaid us.”

The Newmarket handler was also effusive in his praise of William Buick, who is in his first season as a retained rider for Godolphin. Appleby said: “It was a fantastic ride by William. The draw was a worry but this horse has done nothing but thrive.

“Coming into the paddock today I said to William he should drop out but he told me he wanted to go forward so he didn’t get messed about out at the back and meet traffic problems. This horse gallops and stays well and he rode him brilliantly. That is why he is such a top class jockey.”

Th32.

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ROYAL ASCOT 2015 ARTICLES