Royal Ascot 2011
To open Royal Ascot 2011, The Queen unveiled a magnificent bronze sculpture in the Ascot's main paddock of Coolmore's stallion, Yeats, who is the only horse to win Ascot's Gold Cup four times.
It set a quality tone for international racegoers and fans on the first day of Royal Ascot which offers three Group 1 races featuring some of the world's top Turf horses.
This year is also the first year of the British Champions' Series and winners of those three Group 1s qualify for inclusion.
The King's Stand Stakes also qualified for the Global Sprint Challenge.
Breeders' Cup executives actively scout the races on Day 1 and 2 for talent to include in their November championship races which will be held November 4 and 5 at Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY.
Arguably the first and third races generated the most interest generated by the presence of Canford Cliffs, Cape Blanco, Goldikova in the first and mega-star Frankel in the third.
The Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m)for 4yo+
Canford Cliffs got the better of Goldikova. Photo ©David Hastings
Flash Dance was pacemaker for Freddie Head's Goldikova, 6yo triple Breeders' Cup Mile winner and 13-Group 1 winner, who was sent out with her jockey Olivier Peslier weighing in two pounds overweight.*
Handicap officials acknowledge that the extra weight negated her fillies' allowance and cost her a length.
With trainer Richard Hannon gunning for blood after his colt Paco Boy's multiple losses to the mare (costing him over £1.5 million in earnings) and a very fit Canford Cliffs under top jockey Richard Hughes, Goldikova could expect no mercy.
With the weight disadvantage, her jockey should not have taken the lead too early if he wanted to avoid setting her up as a sitting duck.
Further, he did not appear notice Canford Cliffs oncoming assault 1f out and responded too late for even a dead heat.
Goldikova is a mare who will always try with her tremendous speed and determination if she gets the jockey signal soon enough. She did not get it and came in second by 1 length.
Cityscape was another 1¾ lengths in third. The talented Cape Blanco had an off day 16 lengths behind the winner and beat only Flash Dance home and behind Rio De La Plata and Ransom Note.
The King's Stand Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge), 5f (5/8m, 1000m) for 3y0+
Nineteen runners from eight countries competed in this sharp 5f sprint and the impressive foreign competitors looked to have the advantage over Britain's horses.
Robert Cowell's four-year-old gelding, Prohibit, beat out three foreign-trained horses in a tight close with Australia's Star Witness, South Africa's mare Sweet Sanette and Hungary's speedster Overdose.
Prohibit races best from behind under a strong pace and he got his conditions paying 7/1.
He gave Ballydoyle's Zoffany the chance to streak from the rear 1f out to nearly, but never able to, catch him.
Favourite Kingsgate Native at 11/2 was 3¾ lengths behind the winner in sixth and the second favourite at 13/2, Sole Power, was eighth by 4¼ lengths.
*In Peslier's attempt to lose his extra 2 pounds, he took a sauna and grabbed boots which looked like his. They were not and he was fined £650. Not his best day.
The St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo entire colts
The world's highest-rated horse, unbeaten Frankel, won his cliffhanger St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This must be the race of races at this year's Royal Ascot.
There is no adequate description of the excitement leading up to seeing the world's highest rated horse, Frankel, annihilate another hapless field of the year's best three-year olds.
Yet confused signals between the pacemaker Rerouted who went too fast burning himself out early and the wilful Frankel who forced himself into the lead 2f out and then dawdled almost contemptuously.
The playful Frankel left part of the audience holding its collective breathe and other sounding as if they were having heart attacks with the tension.
After watching Goldikova's being pipped, it was good to see jockey Tom Queally rally his colt thereby averting disaster.
Zoffany has the rare distinction of getting closest to the Wonder at a ¾ length, but only because of a failed Cecil (Sir Henry) team tactic.
Cecil promised to change tactics in future races and defended his jockey from what he felt was unfair criticism.
Marco Botti's Excelebration lost again to Frankel - this time ceding second to Zoffany and just holding third from Neebras by a head. They were 2¼ and 2½ lengths behind the winner.
The other five competitors were too far behind to be in the same class: Dream Ahead, Dubawi Gold, Wootton Bassett, Grand Prix Boss from Japan and pacemaker Rerouted.
The three races were fast on good ground, but this race was the fastest by 0.76s (1m 39.24s).
One can only admire Sir Henry Cecil for allowing the Juddmonte colt his head and experimenting with different tactics.
He is not playing it safe. Frankel will have his chance to show how good he really is.
Day Two
Races with international 'star' horses and good weather increased Royal Ascot's opening day crowd by 10% over last year to 43,354. Even Tote betting increased by 14% over last year to £1,245,535.
The second day of Royal Ascot has three world-class Group races which were full of surprises and without a favourite winning.
The Jersey Stakes (Group 3), 7f (7/8m, 1400m) for 3yo
After seeing Richard Hannon's Strong Suit in the saddling area, it was difficult to imagine the imposing colt not being the favourite (11/1), but Codemaster was at 7/4.
Strong Suit was one of last year's best two-year olds. Breathing problems developed this year and he had surgery to relieve the difficulty.
When he powered up, Codemaster and the third Western Aristocrat at 9/2 had no answer. Strong Suit was out front by ½ length and a neck in 1m 26.09s (fast by 0.61s).
The victory gave trainer Richard Hannon and son-in-law Richard Hughes their second Group victory in Royal Ascot's opening races.
The Windsor Forest Stakes (Group 2), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 4yo+ fillies and mares
Ireland's Lolly For Dolly bested 12 far more experienced and higher-rated fillies to win by 1½ lengths over Sir Henry Cecil's Chachamaidee and David Simcock's First City (by another length).
Tommy Stack, trainer of the winner. attributed her victory to staying ability and newly-fitted blinkers. Wayne Lordan gave her a perfect ride and was thrilled with his first win at Royal Ascot.
The Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) for 4yo+
Frankie Dettori's flying dismount from Godolphin's Rewilding after winning the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This race probably had the most shocking conclusion of any during the meet.
Ballydoyle's famous import from Australia, So You Think NZ, was sent out 4/11 favourite. Any and all would probably have done battle over his being the one sure winner of the day.
Godolphin did not agree and they sent in their Debussy and Rewilding, winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic, to take on the challenge.
Debussy is a better frontrunning horse at 7f or a mile and Rewilding is a true 1m4f stayer who lags in the back to make bursting closes.
Godolphin bet on So You Think's actually not being a stayer and Rewilding having the ability to handle a sharper trip than usual. And they have jockey Frankie Dettori.
The saddling-up area is the best place to assess the fitness and mood of potential winners. Those three horses, plus the underestimated Sri Putra, looked the best.
I bet on the sleek and lightly-raced Rewilding, half brother of Dar Re Mi by dam Darara, who looked outstanding to me.
Jan Vermeer, who was So You Think's pacemaker, missed the break and took 2f to get to the front putting SYT in second to be closely shadowed by Debussy.
Ryan Moore had trouble settling his mount SYT who was sweating in the paddock.
Once they hit the front, it appeared the race was locked down 1f out until the Dettori torpedo shot from back of the pack to wear down So You Think winning by a neck with Sri Putra third 6 lengths out.
The crowd was stunned and Godolphin jubilant.
Dettori did his flying dismount after earning himself a nine-day ban for excessive use of the whip.
Aidan O'Brien claimed his horse lost, because he was not fit enough. Australians and New Zealanders had much more unkind assessments.
Day Three
The third day of Royal Ascot draws the largest crowd of the Meet as it is Ladies' Day and the ladies come in droves to outdo each other in fashion.
It is also Gold Cup Day. For the last four years, the race was won by Yeats who is now retired to the Coolmore Stud and commemorated on Day One by The Queen when unveiling his statue in the main paddock.
This year's tussle for Royal Ascot's iconic was between the two major racing empires: Opinion Poll for Godolphin (Darley) and Fame And Glory for Ballydoyle (Coolmore).
The Gold Cup (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 2m4f (20f, 2½m, 4000m) for 4yo+
Yeats' worthy successor Fame And Glory outclassed Royal Ascot's Gold Cup field winning by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll. Photo ©David Hastings
The race was slowly run in 4m 37.51s (16.51s) and perfectly set up for jockey Jamie Spencer to bring Ballydoyle's relaxed Fame And Glory to the front of 14 other competitors in the final furlongs of the Gold Cup.
His stamina gave him the edge in the staying race over Godolphin's respected Opinion Poll and trainer Andre Fabre's accomplished Brigantin who raced for owners Team Valor.
Fame And Glory won easily by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll and a further 4½ lengths over Brigantin.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien confirmed that the five-year old horse will be prepared for October's Arc de Triomphe and he will return to Royal Ascot next year to try to equal or best Yeats' Gold Cup record.
Day Four
Thursday at Royal Ascot may be Ladies' Day, but the fourth day of Royal Ascot or Friday has the showcase mile race for the best international fillies of the three-year-old Classic generation.
The Corronation Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo fillies
Robert Collet and son brought their dynamic filly duo, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, from France to take first and second in Royal Ascot's Coronation Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Twelve fillies competed led by some of Britain and Ireland's best females.
France's Robert and son Ron Collet believed they had two of the best three-year old fillies, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, of 2011 and committed them to Royal Ascot's prestigious Coronation Stakes.
They were right. The beautiful Immortal Verse beat her beautiful compatriot Nova Hawk by 2¼ lengths followed a half length by Richard Fahey's Barefoot Lady.
The British were stunned but gracious to the happy Frenchmen. Regretfully, there is some truth in the French trainers complaint to the French press that they received only a tepid reception for their victories.
The King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f (12f, 1½m, 2400m) for colts and geldings
Trainer John Gosden usually has good reasons when he brings a three-year-old colt who has only won a maiden to compete in one Royal Ascot's Group 2 historic races.
Nathaniel was second to Treasure Beach in the Group 3 Chester Vase and did not face as stiff competition in the King Edward.
The handsome Nathaniel, who has proven to be best at 12 furlongs, waltzed 5 lengths past his nearest rival (of nine) Fiorente and another 2 lengths ahead of Alexander Pope in a slow 2m 34.48s (slow by 4.48s).
Young jockey William Buick rode Nathaniel to perfection.
The team is just beginning its upward curve for they have a very talented colt.
Day Five
Royal Ascot's closing day on Saturday is often family day which has one of the best races for two-year olds and a prestigious 6f sprint which is part of the Global Sprint Challenge along with the 5f King's Stands Stakes won by Britain's Prohibit on opening day.
Many foreign sprinters come to Royal Ascot just to compete in both races as the 5 and 6 furlong distances.
Until recently the British sprinters were easy prey for the superior foreign horses, but that has changed with Prohibit and Society Rock (below).
The Golden Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge, 6f
Society Rock outpowered Monsieur Chevalier and Star Witness in Royal Ascot's Golden Jubilee Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Australia's Star Witness travelled to Royal Ascot to compete in both its Global Sprint Challenge races a 5 and 6 furlongs.
He was unfortunate to be touched off by Prohibit in the King's Stands Stakes, but had no excuses when he lost to Society Rock by 1¾ lengths. He was third 1¼ lengths behind trainer Richard Hannon's Monsieur Chevalier who has recovered much of his earlier form.
Trainer James Fanshawe always seems to produce a winner at Royal Ascot.
The Chesham Stakes (Listed Race), 7f for 2yo fillies and colts
Future star Maybe in the Ballydoyle Tabor colours imposed herself on 15 other 2y olds by 2¼ lengths in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Sometimes trainers are overly enthusiastic about their horses, but Aidan O'Brien's words about his two-year-old filly Maybe were understatements.
With Ryan Moore on board, the filly was sent out 5/2 favourite in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes and she thrashed the field of 16 - 2¼ lengths in front of Fort Bastion and another 3 lengths before Self Centered.
The youngster is a very finished professional filly and one expects great things from her.
The O'Brien/Moore team also won the second race of the day, the Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f for 4yo+, with four-year-old colt Await The Dawn who beat Harris Tweed by 3 lengths and Drunken Sailor in third.
Overall World Top Ten Ratings
Outstanding winners and seconds enhanced their reputations on the World Top Ten Ratings with their Royal Ascot Turf performances:
Canford Cliffs and Goldikova rose to 130 and 126 respectively for the Queen Anne race.
Rewilding and So You Think raised their ratings to 130 and 129 respectively for the Prince of Wales's Stakes.
Frankel retains his 133 world leader rating for the 2000 Guineas though his impressive St James's Palace Stakes did not rate a 133.
Workforce earned his 127 from the Brigadeer Gerard and did not compete in Royal Ascot.
Five of the world's top Turf horses competed at Royal Ascot and six of the 11 are European.
Posted June 19, 2011
Royal Ascot Will Set Season's Form Again
To open Royal Ascot 2011, The Queen unveiled a magnificent bronze sculpture in the Ascot's main paddock of Coolmore's stallion, Yeats, who is the only horse to win Ascot's Gold Cup four times.
It set a quality tone for international racegoers and fans on the first day of Royal Ascot which offers three Group 1 races featuring some of the world's top Turf horses.
This year is also the first year of the British Champions' Series and winners of those three Group 1s qualify for inclusion.
The King's Stand Stakes also qualified for the Global Sprint Challenge.
Breeders' Cup executives actively scout the races on Day 1 and 2 for talent to include in their November championship races which will be held November 4 and 5 at Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY.
Arguably the first and third races generated the most interest generated by the presence of Canford Cliffs, Cape Blanco, Goldikova in the first and mega-star Frankel in the third.
The Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m)for 4yo+
Canford Cliffs got the better of Goldikova. Photo ©David Hastings
Flash Dance was pacemaker for Freddie Head's Goldikova, 6yo triple Breeders' Cup Mile winner and 13-Group 1 winner, who was sent out with her jockey Olivier Peslier weighing in two pounds overweight.*
Handicap officials acknowledge that the extra weight negated her fillies' allowance and cost her a length.
With trainer Richard Hannon gunning for blood after his colt Paco Boy's multiple losses to the mare (costing him over £1.5 million in earnings) and a very fit Canford Cliffs under top jockey Richard Hughes, Goldikova could expect no mercy.
With the weight disadvantage, her jockey should not have taken the lead too early if he wanted to avoid setting her up as a sitting duck.
Further, he did not appear notice Canford Cliffs oncoming assault 1f out and responded too late for even a dead heat.
Goldikova is a mare who will always try with her tremendous speed and determination if she gets the jockey signal soon enough. She did not get it and came in second by 1 length.
Cityscape was another 1¾ lengths in third. The talented Cape Blanco had an off day 16 lengths behind the winner and beat only Flash Dance home and behind Rio De La Plata and Ransom Note.
The King's Stand Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge), 5f (5/8m, 1000m) for 3y0+
Nineteen runners from eight countries competed in this sharp 5f sprint and the impressive foreign competitors looked to have the advantage over Britain's horses.
Robert Cowell's four-year-old gelding, Prohibit, beat out three foreign-trained horses in a tight close with Australia's Star Witness, South Africa's mare Sweet Sanette and Hungary's speedster Overdose.
Prohibit races best from behind under a strong pace and he got his conditions paying 7/1.
He gave Ballydoyle's Zoffany the chance to streak from the rear 1f out to nearly, but never able to, catch him.
Favourite Kingsgate Native at 11/2 was 3¾ lengths behind the winner in sixth and the second favourite at 13/2, Sole Power, was eighth by 4¼ lengths.
*In Peslier's attempt to lose his extra 2 pounds, he took a sauna and grabbed boots which looked like his. They were not and he was fined £650. Not his best day.
The St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo entire colts
The world's highest-rated horse, unbeaten Frankel, won his cliffhanger St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This must be the race of races at this year's Royal Ascot.
There is no adequate description of the excitement leading up to seeing the world's highest rated horse, Frankel, annihilate another hapless field of the year's best three-year olds.
Yet confused signals between the pacemaker Rerouted who went too fast burning himself out early and the wilful Frankel who forced himself into the lead 2f out and then dawdled almost contemptuously.
The playful Frankel left part of the audience holding its collective breathe and other sounding as if they were having heart attacks with the tension.
After watching Goldikova's being pipped, it was good to see jockey Tom Queally rally his colt thereby averting disaster.
Zoffany has the rare distinction of getting closest to the Wonder at a ¾ length, but only because of a failed Cecil (Sir Henry) team tactic.
Cecil promised to change tactics in future races and defended his jockey from what he felt was unfair criticism.
Marco Botti's Excelebration lost again to Frankel - this time ceding second to Zoffany and just holding third from Neebras by a head. They were 2¼ and 2½ lengths behind the winner.
The other five competitors were too far behind to be in the same class: Dream Ahead, Dubawi Gold, Wootton Bassett, Grand Prix Boss from Japan and pacemaker Rerouted.
The three races were fast on good ground, but this race was the fastest by 0.76s (1m 39.24s).
One can only admire Sir Henry Cecil for allowing the Juddmonte colt his head and experimenting with different tactics.
He is not playing it safe. Frankel will have his chance to show how good he really is.
Day Two
Races with international 'star' horses and good weather increased Royal Ascot's opening day crowd by 10% over last year to 43,354. Even Tote betting increased by 14% over last year to £1,245,535.
The second day of Royal Ascot has three world-class Group races which were full of surprises and without a favourite winning.
The Jersey Stakes (Group 3), 7f (7/8m, 1400m) for 3yo
After seeing Richard Hannon's Strong Suit in the saddling area, it was difficult to imagine the imposing colt not being the favourite (11/1), but Codemaster was at 7/4.
Strong Suit was one of last year's best two-year olds. Breathing problems developed this year and he had surgery to relieve the difficulty.
When he powered up, Codemaster and the third Western Aristocrat at 9/2 had no answer. Strong Suit was out front by ½ length and a neck in 1m 26.09s (fast by 0.61s).
The victory gave trainer Richard Hannon and son-in-law Richard Hughes their second Group victory in Royal Ascot's opening races.
The Windsor Forest Stakes (Group 2), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 4yo+ fillies and mares
Ireland's Lolly For Dolly bested 12 far more experienced and higher-rated fillies to win by 1½ lengths over Sir Henry Cecil's Chachamaidee and David Simcock's First City (by another length).
Tommy Stack, trainer of the winner. attributed her victory to staying ability and newly-fitted blinkers. Wayne Lordan gave her a perfect ride and was thrilled with his first win at Royal Ascot.
The Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) for 4yo+
Frankie Dettori's flying dismount from Godolphin's Rewilding after winning the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This race probably had the most shocking conclusion of any during the meet.
Ballydoyle's famous import from Australia, So You Think NZ, was sent out 4/11 favourite. Any and all would probably have done battle over his being the one sure winner of the day.
Godolphin did not agree and they sent in their Debussy and Rewilding, winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic, to take on the challenge.
Debussy is a better frontrunning horse at 7f or a mile and Rewilding is a true 1m4f stayer who lags in the back to make bursting closes.
Godolphin bet on So You Think's actually not being a stayer and Rewilding having the ability to handle a sharper trip than usual. And they have jockey Frankie Dettori.
The saddling-up area is the best place to assess the fitness and mood of potential winners. Those three horses, plus the underestimated Sri Putra, looked the best.
I bet on the sleek and lightly-raced Rewilding, half brother of Dar Re Mi by dam Darara, who looked outstanding to me.
Jan Vermeer, who was So You Think's pacemaker, missed the break and took 2f to get to the front putting SYT in second to be closely shadowed by Debussy.
Ryan Moore had trouble settling his mount SYT who was sweating in the paddock.
Once they hit the front, it appeared the race was locked down 1f out until the Dettori torpedo shot from back of the pack to wear down So You Think winning by a neck with Sri Putra third 6 lengths out.
The crowd was stunned and Godolphin jubilant.
Dettori did his flying dismount after earning himself a nine-day ban for excessive use of the whip.
Aidan O'Brien claimed his horse lost, because he was not fit enough. Australians and New Zealanders had much more unkind assessments.
Day Three
The third day of Royal Ascot draws the largest crowd of the Meet as it is Ladies' Day and the ladies come in droves to outdo each other in fashion.
It is also Gold Cup Day. For the last four years, the race was won by Yeats who is now retired to the Coolmore Stud and commemorated on Day One by The Queen when unveiling his statue in the main paddock.
This year's tussle for Royal Ascot's iconic was between the two major racing empires: Opinion Poll for Godolphin (Darley) and Fame And Glory for Ballydoyle (Coolmore).
The Gold Cup (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 2m4f (20f, 2½m, 4000m) for 4yo+
Yeats' worthy successor Fame And Glory outclassed Royal Ascot's Gold Cup field winning by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll. Photo ©David Hastings
The race was slowly run in 4m 37.51s (16.51s) and perfectly set up for jockey Jamie Spencer to bring Ballydoyle's relaxed Fame And Glory to the front of 14 other competitors in the final furlongs of the Gold Cup.
His stamina gave him the edge in the staying race over Godolphin's respected Opinion Poll and trainer Andre Fabre's accomplished Brigantin who raced for owners Team Valor.
Fame And Glory won easily by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll and a further 4½ lengths over Brigantin.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien confirmed that the five-year old horse will be prepared for October's Arc de Triomphe and he will return to Royal Ascot next year to try to equal or best Yeats' Gold Cup record.
Day Four
Thursday at Royal Ascot may be Ladies' Day, but the fourth day of Royal Ascot or Friday has the showcase mile race for the best international fillies of the three-year-old Classic generation.
The Corronation Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo fillies
Robert Collet and son brought their dynamic filly duo, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, from France to take first and second in Royal Ascot's Coronation Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Twelve fillies competed led by some of Britain and Ireland's best females.
France's Robert and son Ron Collet believed they had two of the best three-year old fillies, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, of 2011 and committed them to Royal Ascot's prestigious Coronation Stakes.
They were right. The beautiful Immortal Verse beat her beautiful compatriot Nova Hawk by 2¼ lengths followed a half length by Richard Fahey's Barefoot Lady.
The British were stunned but gracious to the happy Frenchmen. Regretfully, there is some truth in the French trainers complaint to the French press that they received only a tepid reception for their victories.
The King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f (12f, 1½m, 2400m) for colts and geldings
Trainer John Gosden usually has good reasons when he brings a three-year-old colt who has only won a maiden to compete in one Royal Ascot's Group 2 historic races.
Nathaniel was second to Treasure Beach in the Group 3 Chester Vase and did not face as stiff competition in the King Edward.
The handsome Nathaniel, who has proven to be best at 12 furlongs, waltzed 5 lengths past his nearest rival (of nine) Fiorente and another 2 lengths ahead of Alexander Pope in a slow 2m 34.48s (slow by 4.48s).
Young jockey William Buick rode Nathaniel to perfection.
The team is just beginning its upward curve for they have a very talented colt.
Day Five
Royal Ascot's closing day on Saturday is often family day which has one of the best races for two-year olds and a prestigious 6f sprint which is part of the Global Sprint Challenge along with the 5f King's Stands Stakes won by Britain's Prohibit on opening day.
Many foreign sprinters come to Royal Ascot just to compete in both races as the 5 and 6 furlong distances.
Until recently the British sprinters were easy prey for the superior foreign horses, but that has changed with Prohibit and Society Rock (below).
The Golden Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge, 6f
Society Rock outpowered Monsieur Chevalier and Star Witness in Royal Ascot's Golden Jubilee Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Australia's Star Witness travelled to Royal Ascot to compete in both its Global Sprint Challenge races a 5 and 6 furlongs.
He was unfortunate to be touched off by Prohibit in the King's Stands Stakes, but had no excuses when he lost to Society Rock by 1¾ lengths. He was third 1¼ lengths behind trainer Richard Hannon's Monsieur Chevalier who has recovered much of his earlier form.
Trainer James Fanshawe always seems to produce a winner at Royal Ascot.
The Chesham Stakes (Listed Race), 7f for 2yo fillies and colts
Future star Maybe in the Ballydoyle Tabor colours imposed herself on 15 other 2y olds by 2¼ lengths in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Sometimes trainers are overly enthusiastic about their horses, but Aidan O'Brien's words about his two-year-old filly Maybe were understatements.
With Ryan Moore on board, the filly was sent out 5/2 favourite in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes and she thrashed the field of 16 - 2¼ lengths in front of Fort Bastion and another 3 lengths before Self Centered.
The youngster is a very finished professional filly and one expects great things from her.
The O'Brien/Moore team also won the second race of the day, the Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f for 4yo+, with four-year-old colt Await The Dawn who beat Harris Tweed by 3 lengths and Drunken Sailor in third.
Overall World Top Ten Ratings
Outstanding winners and seconds enhanced their reputations on the World Top Ten Ratings with their Royal Ascot Turf performances:
Canford Cliffs and Goldikova rose to 130 and 126 respectively for the Queen Anne race.
Rewilding and So You Think raised their ratings to 130 and 129 respectively for the Prince of Wales's Stakes.
Frankel retains his 133 world leader rating for the 2000 Guineas though his impressive St James's Palace Stakes did not rate a 133.
Workforce earned his 127 from the Brigadeer Gerard and did not compete in Royal Ascot.
Five of the world's top Turf horses competed at Royal Ascot and six of the 11 are European.
Posted June 19, 2011
Royal Ascot Will Set Season's Form Again
The five-day Royal Ascot Meet occurs during the early peak season for most horse. Its races are known to establish the year's form for the horses competing in its wide range of races and distances.
It is suitable, that given 2011 is the 300th Anniversary of Royal Ascot, the QIPCO British Champions Series should start its first Series in the same year having seven of Royal Ascot's races are part of the Series.
Three major QIPCO BCS races are on opening day June 14th.
The Queen Anne Stakes (1m, 4yo+) has lured six-year-old Goldikova back to England to repeat her success last year. She is up against very tough competition against powerful males like Canford Cliffs, Cape Blanco, Citiscape, Ransom Note and Rio Del La Plata. Flash Dance will be her pacemaker.
Given the mess in the Prix de Diane, one hopes Goldikova's jockey remembers that she is 2010 Horse of the Year in both England and France as well as being the three-times' winner of the Breeders' Cup Mile.
The King's Stand Stakes (5f, 3yo+) has attracted 19 of some of the world's finest sprinters - except Black Caviar who will compete in 2012 - and trainers.
Overdose is back for the Czech Republic. Todd Pletcher brought Bridgetown and Wesley Smith brought Holiday For Kitten to be ridden by Zenyatta's partner Mike Smith who is riding in Britain this Spring.
Star Witness is currently favourite and hails from Australia.
The European home team claims the favourites in Sole Power and game Kingsgate Native.
This is the most open race of the three starting the RA/BCS Series.
The St James's Palace Stakes (1m, 3yo) promises to be a thriller with eight taking on Frankel who is the highest-rated colt in the world at 130.
Japan is not affraid of him. It has sent Grand Prix Boss with Dubai World Cup winner Mirco Demuro on board. Dumuro is proving to be one of the world's top jockeys in and out of Italy along with his chum Frankie Dettori.
Dubawi Gold and Wootton Bassett return to the challenge against Frankel along with Dream Ahead, Excelebration, Rerouted, Godolphin's Neebras and Ballydoyle's Zoffany.
Many think Canford Cliffs will beat Goldikova. He may, but my heart is always with her.
I cannot predict the sprint outcome, but I cannot see any colt beating Frankel unless he has his first bad day.
Inside international horse racing paddocks with form expert Susan Trevelyan-Syke
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Vive Le "Fighting" Cirrus!
"Fighting" Cirrus Des Aigles suddenly appeared to cut down So You Think by a ¾ length in the QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
The French went mad with joy. Their own precious Persian Punch, Cirrus Des Aigles, came off the pace to cut down the big Australian noise, So You Think, in the £1,300,000 QIPCO Champion Stakes (Group 1), 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) for 3yo+ on good Turf at Ascot.
Ransom Note (Red Ransom USA) under front-running Michael Hills and the overly-keen, hard-pulling Nathaniel IRE (Galileo IRE) contested the front with So You Think NZ (High Chaparral IRE), Cirrus Des Aigles FR (Even Top IRE) and Snow Fairy IRE (Intikhab USA) beautifully placed just off the pace.
At just the right moment, Ryan Moore moved So You Think out to take the lead in what appeared to be a sure victory.
The crowd was stunned when an unfamiliar gelding swung out to cut down the leader by ¾ lengths and the badly-hampered Snow Fairy was finally able to take third a ½ length behind SYT.
Had she been able to escape the rail earlier, she might have been the winner.
Christophe Soumillon on Cirrus made sure she wasn't.
The mare Midday (Oasis Dream) was another 2 lengths behind Snow Fairy with Nathaniel in fifth.
Whatever disappointment the losers' connections felt, it was nothing compared to Soumillon's after the Stewards' decision to ban him for striking Cirrus six times with the whip in the final furlong (limit is seven) and stripping him of his £50,000+ earnings on the winner's payout of $579,280.
[A jockeys' strike over the British Horseracing Authority's changes to whip Rules was postponed for special meetings and hearings with the BHA on Monday. Specific appeal hearings will take place the following week after a review of possible premature implementation of the new Rules.]
Popular French trainer Corinne Barande-Barbe was effusive with praise for her beloved "Fighting" Cirrus, who unfortunately lost the Prix Dollar Arc weekend, for winning his first Group 1 race at five.
Twenty-five Group 1 victories were held by the horses he defeated.
"It is a marvelous moment. One wishes the day would never end. Cirrus has realised the dream that I have always had for him.
This improving horse should have contested the Arc, but geldings cannot.
A pity this loveable horse is a gelding and sad that his victory should be shrouded in controversy.
As to the sanction on Soumillon, Barande-Barbe said "Cette sanction est inadmissible."
Soumillon called it a scandal and an embarrassment to British racing.
It is as stupid as the Dar Re Mi controversy was in France when the unrelenting Stewards would not bend to reason.
Hopefully, the British can accept their mistakes and correct the damage of starting Rules changes in the height of a season.
Too many jockeys and connections are involved for the authorities not to reconsider.
©Posted October 16, 2011
Frankel Is World's Greatest Horse
World's highest-rated horse (RPR 139+) Frankel demolished his seven opponents in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot by 4 lengths. Photo ©David Hastings
What more can one say except that Frankel (Galileo IRE) is the very best racehorse in the world this year?
The only other question remaining is how much better can he get a four?
For once, the mid-distance prestigious Champions Stakes took second place to the £1,000,000 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1), 1m (8f) on Ascot's straight mile Turf course for 3yo+.
Even Ascot's crowds shrunk a bit after the QEII.
People were there to see Sir Henry Cecil's megastar Frankel win his ninth race of nine career starts - five of which are Group 1s.
Frankel's jockey Tom Queally was pleased that the jockey whip ban controversy kept pre-race heat off him.
He had no worries in the race. The handsome pacemaker Bullet Train, who is a three-parts brother to Frankel, set a blistering pace up to the fourth furlong when Frankel moved out from cover the moment Queally said 'go'.
He blew off the field in 10.99s between the second and first furlong and won the race in 01:39.45 - just faster than median time on good ground.
For the imposing Frankel, it was a lark.
Marco Botti's international competitor Excelebration IRE (Exceed And Excel AUS) lost his third race against Frankel and France's super-speedy filly Immortal Verse IRE (Pivotal), who defeated Goldikova at Deauville in a cunning attack, were second by 4 lengths and 3½ lengths respectively.
No horses are visible on the horizon who can beat Frankel at a mile.
Next year, the Juddmonte homebred will raise his racing distance to a 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) and will strike fear in a wider pool of horses and trainers.
If he succeeds at the new distance, the Breeders' Cup Classic could be on his 2012 fixture list.
This year, Cecil and Juddmonte owner Prince Abdullah remained faithful to the first year of the QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot.
Cecil and Queally have won the first Awards of the QIPCO British Champions Series, based on winning points, as Champion Trainer and Champion Jockey thanks to Frankel.
Cool Queally said "He's a horse in a lifetime for the public, and for the jockey that's lucky enough to be on him, it's a privilege and honour."
"If anyone can have him right in the Spring, it is Sir Henry."
We cannot wait.
©Posted October 16, 2011
Dancing Rain Proves She Is No Fluke
Dancing Rain with Johnny Murtagh shows her galloping power winning the QIPCO Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes at Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
Trainer William Haggis finally feels vindicated that his three-year-old filly, Dancing Rain IRE (Danehill Dancer IRE), did not win the Investec Oaks at Epsom in June just because she got a long galloping lead on jockeys who paid attention too late.
After the English Oaks, she lost the Irish Oaks to Blue Bunting by 2½ lengths in fifth.
In August, she won the German Oaks at Dusseldorf by 3 lengths over Djumama.
She showed her class dominating the £250,000 QIPCO British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f (12f, 1m½, 3200m) on Turf for 3yo+ fillies and mares.
She galloped ahead of the field of 10 ending with vastly-improved Bible Belt IRE (Big Bad Bob IRE) 2 lengths behind in second and Gertrude Bell (Sinndar IRE) 2¼ lengths in third.
Haggis proudly said "She's very brave and I knew that the second wouldn't get by her."
"I don't think that she would have been able to do the same earlier in the season, because she was a big leggy filly and a bit weak. Today, she was a lot stronger and was able to maintain that very high cruising speed for a mile and a half."
Favourite Vita Nova (7/2) was second last with highly-regarded Ferdoos tapered off to last by worried jockey Neil Callan.
Dancing Rain's victories have been at 1m4f, but she will leave for Japan to challenge last year's Oaks winner Snow Fairy IRE (Intikhab USA) when the latter defends her title in Japan's Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup on November 13.
That race is run at 1m3f (11f, 1-3/8m, 3000m) which is a furlong short of her best.
Three-year-old Bible Belt was the only filly who had a chance to catch Dancing Rain at Ascot and, interestingly, she and Snow Fairy are owned by Anamoine Ltd.
Her trainer Jessica Harrington was thrilled with Bible Belt. "She is a smashing filly and she is tough...she is nominated for Japan and Hong Kong so we will see if we get invited. She will definitely stay in training."
The three fillies may all run into each other in the East however, Gertrude Bell is off to be bred to Oasis Dream.
©Posted October 16, 2011
Gutsy Gelding Won 5th of 6 In Champions Sprint Stakes
Deacon Blues took the lead to win the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 2) over French filly Wizz Kid (head only visible on left) and Libranno next to her in yellow and green and Royal Rock in red. Photo ©David Hastings
France sent two of its exceptional sprinting fillies to compete in the £250,000 QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 2), 6f for 3yo+, on Turf.
Freddy Head's Moonlight Cloud (Invincible Spirit IRE) blew away James Fanshaw's Society Rock in Deauville. Her fearsome reputation earned her favouritism at 100/30.
Wizz Kid IRE (Whipper USA) did not have as much luck this year being hampered in both the Nunthorpe and Prix de l'Abbaye. Neither her trainer Robert Collet nor owners at Ballylinch Stud ever lost faith in her.
Despite their talent, Fanshaw had Deacon Blues (Compton Place) who has now won 5 of his last 6 races this year at four.
The colt was very impressive in the pre-parade ring brimming with energy and prancing on his toes.
Once he took the lead in the race, no others had a chance especially with Johnny Murtagh on board.
Moonlight Cloud failed to fire ending the race in fifth, but the little three-year-old Wizz Kid got second after an amazing 41.67 mph in her 4th furlong from home (faster than Frankel at his best on the day).
She was 1½ lengths behind Deacon Blues and Richard Hannon's Libranno (Librettist USA) third by a neck, Royal Rock (Sakhee USA) fourth by a nose and Moonlight Cloud was 2 lengths behind.
Both Wizz Kid and Deacon Blues will race again next year. She will be rewarded at the end of her career with a date with Ballylinch's new stallion Dream Ahead USA (Diktat) who won the Darley Sprint Cup and the Prix de la Foret.
Chris Wall's seven-year-old gelding Royal Rock will try for the Hong Kong Sprint in nominated.
Pity geldings do not have the same perks.
©Posted October 16, 2011
Fame And Glory Victory Opens Champions Day
Game trouper, five-year-old Fame And Glory (Montjeu IRE) won the opening race of the QIPCO British Champions Day under a cleverly judged ride by Jamie Spencer at Ascot.
Of the 35 races in QIPCO British Champions Series the £200,000 Long Distance Cup (Group 3), 2m (16f, 3200m) on Turf, was added to crown the winner of the Long Distance category.
Godolphin's Opinion Poll IRE (Halling USA), winner of the Goodwood Cup and a Group 2 at York, was sent off 12/5 favourite despite coming second to FAG in Royal Ascot's Gold Cup.
Chiberta King's jockey Jimmy Fortune told Spencer that his horse would make a good pace and Spencer followed in his wake with Opinion Poll in his usual back position under Frankie Dettori.
It was a painfully slow race and did not improve in speed when Chiberta King faded and Fame And Glory took the lead.
Dettori gave his horse too much to do too late and lost by 1¾ lengths as result.
Colour Vision FR (Rainbow Quest USA) and Nehaam (Nayef USA) were within a nose and shoulder of Opinion Poll.
Seasoned jockeys like Dettori, Richard Hills and Silvestre De Sousa seemed to be asleep allowing the winner a very soft lead.
Spencer gave his horse the best ride commenting that "He was electric today and every time another runner came to me it was like they carried a buzzer that was setting him alight."
It was a great achievement for trainer Aidan O'Brien to keep the Gold Cup winner fit all season despite losing two subsequent races including the Irish St Leger at the Curragh - for which Spencer blamed himself.
Ballydoyle/Coolmore was the first winner of the new and very successful series which was held before over 25,000 spectators.
Fame And Glory will return to defend his Gold Cup next June at Royal Ascot and Opinion Poll will travel to Dubai for the new long-distance race added to the Dubai World Cup card on March 31.
©Posted October 16, 2011
"Fighting" Cirrus Des Aigles suddenly appeared to cut down So You Think by a ¾ length in the QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
The French went mad with joy. Their own precious Persian Punch, Cirrus Des Aigles, came off the pace to cut down the big Australian noise, So You Think, in the £1,300,000 QIPCO Champion Stakes (Group 1), 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) for 3yo+ on good Turf at Ascot.
Ransom Note (Red Ransom USA) under front-running Michael Hills and the overly-keen, hard-pulling Nathaniel IRE (Galileo IRE) contested the front with So You Think NZ (High Chaparral IRE), Cirrus Des Aigles FR (Even Top IRE) and Snow Fairy IRE (Intikhab USA) beautifully placed just off the pace.
At just the right moment, Ryan Moore moved So You Think out to take the lead in what appeared to be a sure victory.
The crowd was stunned when an unfamiliar gelding swung out to cut down the leader by ¾ lengths and the badly-hampered Snow Fairy was finally able to take third a ½ length behind SYT.
Had she been able to escape the rail earlier, she might have been the winner.
Christophe Soumillon on Cirrus made sure she wasn't.
The mare Midday (Oasis Dream) was another 2 lengths behind Snow Fairy with Nathaniel in fifth.
Whatever disappointment the losers' connections felt, it was nothing compared to Soumillon's after the Stewards' decision to ban him for striking Cirrus six times with the whip in the final furlong (limit is seven) and stripping him of his £50,000+ earnings on the winner's payout of $579,280.
[A jockeys' strike over the British Horseracing Authority's changes to whip Rules was postponed for special meetings and hearings with the BHA on Monday. Specific appeal hearings will take place the following week after a review of possible premature implementation of the new Rules.]
Popular French trainer Corinne Barande-Barbe was effusive with praise for her beloved "Fighting" Cirrus, who unfortunately lost the Prix Dollar Arc weekend, for winning his first Group 1 race at five.
Twenty-five Group 1 victories were held by the horses he defeated.
"It is a marvelous moment. One wishes the day would never end. Cirrus has realised the dream that I have always had for him.
This improving horse should have contested the Arc, but geldings cannot.
A pity this loveable horse is a gelding and sad that his victory should be shrouded in controversy.
As to the sanction on Soumillon, Barande-Barbe said "Cette sanction est inadmissible."
Soumillon called it a scandal and an embarrassment to British racing.
It is as stupid as the Dar Re Mi controversy was in France when the unrelenting Stewards would not bend to reason.
Hopefully, the British can accept their mistakes and correct the damage of starting Rules changes in the height of a season.
Too many jockeys and connections are involved for the authorities not to reconsider.
©Posted October 16, 2011
Frankel Is World's Greatest Horse
World's highest-rated horse (RPR 139+) Frankel demolished his seven opponents in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot by 4 lengths. Photo ©David Hastings
What more can one say except that Frankel (Galileo IRE) is the very best racehorse in the world this year?
The only other question remaining is how much better can he get a four?
For once, the mid-distance prestigious Champions Stakes took second place to the £1,000,000 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1), 1m (8f) on Ascot's straight mile Turf course for 3yo+.
Even Ascot's crowds shrunk a bit after the QEII.
People were there to see Sir Henry Cecil's megastar Frankel win his ninth race of nine career starts - five of which are Group 1s.
Frankel's jockey Tom Queally was pleased that the jockey whip ban controversy kept pre-race heat off him.
He had no worries in the race. The handsome pacemaker Bullet Train, who is a three-parts brother to Frankel, set a blistering pace up to the fourth furlong when Frankel moved out from cover the moment Queally said 'go'.
He blew off the field in 10.99s between the second and first furlong and won the race in 01:39.45 - just faster than median time on good ground.
For the imposing Frankel, it was a lark.
Marco Botti's international competitor Excelebration IRE (Exceed And Excel AUS) lost his third race against Frankel and France's super-speedy filly Immortal Verse IRE (Pivotal), who defeated Goldikova at Deauville in a cunning attack, were second by 4 lengths and 3½ lengths respectively.
No horses are visible on the horizon who can beat Frankel at a mile.
Next year, the Juddmonte homebred will raise his racing distance to a 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) and will strike fear in a wider pool of horses and trainers.
If he succeeds at the new distance, the Breeders' Cup Classic could be on his 2012 fixture list.
This year, Cecil and Juddmonte owner Prince Abdullah remained faithful to the first year of the QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot.
Cecil and Queally have won the first Awards of the QIPCO British Champions Series, based on winning points, as Champion Trainer and Champion Jockey thanks to Frankel.
Cool Queally said "He's a horse in a lifetime for the public, and for the jockey that's lucky enough to be on him, it's a privilege and honour."
"If anyone can have him right in the Spring, it is Sir Henry."
We cannot wait.
©Posted October 16, 2011
Dancing Rain Proves She Is No Fluke
Dancing Rain with Johnny Murtagh shows her galloping power winning the QIPCO Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes at Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
Trainer William Haggis finally feels vindicated that his three-year-old filly, Dancing Rain IRE (Danehill Dancer IRE), did not win the Investec Oaks at Epsom in June just because she got a long galloping lead on jockeys who paid attention too late.
After the English Oaks, she lost the Irish Oaks to Blue Bunting by 2½ lengths in fifth.
In August, she won the German Oaks at Dusseldorf by 3 lengths over Djumama.
She showed her class dominating the £250,000 QIPCO British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f (12f, 1m½, 3200m) on Turf for 3yo+ fillies and mares.
She galloped ahead of the field of 10 ending with vastly-improved Bible Belt IRE (Big Bad Bob IRE) 2 lengths behind in second and Gertrude Bell (Sinndar IRE) 2¼ lengths in third.
Haggis proudly said "She's very brave and I knew that the second wouldn't get by her."
"I don't think that she would have been able to do the same earlier in the season, because she was a big leggy filly and a bit weak. Today, she was a lot stronger and was able to maintain that very high cruising speed for a mile and a half."
Favourite Vita Nova (7/2) was second last with highly-regarded Ferdoos tapered off to last by worried jockey Neil Callan.
Dancing Rain's victories have been at 1m4f, but she will leave for Japan to challenge last year's Oaks winner Snow Fairy IRE (Intikhab USA) when the latter defends her title in Japan's Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup on November 13.
That race is run at 1m3f (11f, 1-3/8m, 3000m) which is a furlong short of her best.
Three-year-old Bible Belt was the only filly who had a chance to catch Dancing Rain at Ascot and, interestingly, she and Snow Fairy are owned by Anamoine Ltd.
Her trainer Jessica Harrington was thrilled with Bible Belt. "She is a smashing filly and she is tough...she is nominated for Japan and Hong Kong so we will see if we get invited. She will definitely stay in training."
The three fillies may all run into each other in the East however, Gertrude Bell is off to be bred to Oasis Dream.
©Posted October 16, 2011
Gutsy Gelding Won 5th of 6 In Champions Sprint Stakes
Deacon Blues took the lead to win the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 2) over French filly Wizz Kid (head only visible on left) and Libranno next to her in yellow and green and Royal Rock in red. Photo ©David Hastings
France sent two of its exceptional sprinting fillies to compete in the £250,000 QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 2), 6f for 3yo+, on Turf.
Freddy Head's Moonlight Cloud (Invincible Spirit IRE) blew away James Fanshaw's Society Rock in Deauville. Her fearsome reputation earned her favouritism at 100/30.
Wizz Kid IRE (Whipper USA) did not have as much luck this year being hampered in both the Nunthorpe and Prix de l'Abbaye. Neither her trainer Robert Collet nor owners at Ballylinch Stud ever lost faith in her.
Despite their talent, Fanshaw had Deacon Blues (Compton Place) who has now won 5 of his last 6 races this year at four.
The colt was very impressive in the pre-parade ring brimming with energy and prancing on his toes.
Once he took the lead in the race, no others had a chance especially with Johnny Murtagh on board.
Moonlight Cloud failed to fire ending the race in fifth, but the little three-year-old Wizz Kid got second after an amazing 41.67 mph in her 4th furlong from home (faster than Frankel at his best on the day).
She was 1½ lengths behind Deacon Blues and Richard Hannon's Libranno (Librettist USA) third by a neck, Royal Rock (Sakhee USA) fourth by a nose and Moonlight Cloud was 2 lengths behind.
Both Wizz Kid and Deacon Blues will race again next year. She will be rewarded at the end of her career with a date with Ballylinch's new stallion Dream Ahead USA (Diktat) who won the Darley Sprint Cup and the Prix de la Foret.
Chris Wall's seven-year-old gelding Royal Rock will try for the Hong Kong Sprint in nominated.
Pity geldings do not have the same perks.
©Posted October 16, 2011
Fame And Glory Victory Opens Champions Day
Game trouper, five-year-old Fame And Glory (Montjeu IRE) won the opening race of the QIPCO British Champions Day under a cleverly judged ride by Jamie Spencer at Ascot.
Of the 35 races in QIPCO British Champions Series the £200,000 Long Distance Cup (Group 3), 2m (16f, 3200m) on Turf, was added to crown the winner of the Long Distance category.
Godolphin's Opinion Poll IRE (Halling USA), winner of the Goodwood Cup and a Group 2 at York, was sent off 12/5 favourite despite coming second to FAG in Royal Ascot's Gold Cup.
Chiberta King's jockey Jimmy Fortune told Spencer that his horse would make a good pace and Spencer followed in his wake with Opinion Poll in his usual back position under Frankie Dettori.
It was a painfully slow race and did not improve in speed when Chiberta King faded and Fame And Glory took the lead.
Dettori gave his horse too much to do too late and lost by 1¾ lengths as result.
Colour Vision FR (Rainbow Quest USA) and Nehaam (Nayef USA) were within a nose and shoulder of Opinion Poll.
Seasoned jockeys like Dettori, Richard Hills and Silvestre De Sousa seemed to be asleep allowing the winner a very soft lead.
Spencer gave his horse the best ride commenting that "He was electric today and every time another runner came to me it was like they carried a buzzer that was setting him alight."
It was a great achievement for trainer Aidan O'Brien to keep the Gold Cup winner fit all season despite losing two subsequent races including the Irish St Leger at the Curragh - for which Spencer blamed himself.
Ballydoyle/Coolmore was the first winner of the new and very successful series which was held before over 25,000 spectators.
Fame And Glory will return to defend his Gold Cup next June at Royal Ascot and Opinion Poll will travel to Dubai for the new long-distance race added to the Dubai World Cup card on March 31.
©Posted October 16, 2011