Tag Archive for: King George Festival

Super Soumillon bags another King George – and he is not done yet

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Christophe Soumillon has his sights on one day conquering Epsom, after proudly riding his way onto the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes roll of honour for a second time aboard the giant-killing Goliath.

It is 18 years since the decorated Belgian steered Hurricane Run to victory in the race in the colours of Michael Tabor for master trainer Andre Fabre.

And while that victory aboard the reigning Arc hero was hard-fought up the Ascot home straight, his latest French raider turned the Berkshire track’s summer highlight into a procession.

Whereas in 2006 he struggled to take in the magnitude of the occasion, this time around, aboard Francis-Henri Graffard’s 25-1 shot, Soumillon was able to savour every moment as he sauntered to victory.

A big 'thumbs up' from Christophe Soumillon
A big ‘thumbs up’ from Christophe Soumillon (Steven Paston/PA)

He said: “It’s a different feeling to Hurricane Run because he was an Arc winner and one of the big favourites.

“There was a big fight in the straight that day and today was a different feeling because I was travelling up the straight without anyone by my side. It was a very comfortable race and I knew at the two-furlong marker the game was over for the others.

“There was a lot of things going on and I couldn’t appreciate the victory on Hurricane Run for what it was. The new story is here and I am so proud.”

Such was Goliath’s dominance, Soumillon simply found himself waiting for the right moment to unleash his strong-travelling partner.

With his sons watching on, he had time to salute the crowd in the closing stages as the four-year-old went one place better than his second in the Hardwicke Stakes, stunning a field featuring six Group One winners with over 50 victories between them.

“When I came in the straight I was cruising behind William Buick (Rebel’s Romance) and Ryan Moore (Auguste Rodin), I knew Rossa (Ryan, on Bluestocking) was behind me but I didn’t worry about him as I was cruising,” continued Soumillon.

“When I took him out he just accelerated on the bit very easily and I didn’t want to take the front too early but when I asked him to go, he just switched gear.

Christophe Soumillon winning the King George with Hurricane Run in 2006
Christophe Soumillon winning the King George with Hurricane Run in 2006 (Rebecca Naden/PA)

“Francis did an amazing job with him and he worked amazingly well last week which gave me and Francis a great opportunity to come here today – everybody knows the UK is the hardest place to win a race, especially with French horses.

“You are always doing your best to come over here with the best horse in the race and everything was perfect today and he won like the best horse in the race.”

He added: “It’s a great achievement for everybody and I have my sons here today, hopefully they are very proud of that.

“When you are young and you win big races, you think it will happen five or 10 times, but when you are old like me today, you realise you have to enjoy every moment of it. For me today, it is just pleasure and happiness.”

Aged 43, some would describe Soumillon as entering the twilight of his career. However, he served a timely reminder of the talent that makes him a go-to jockey around the globe with his stylish handling of Graffard’s gelding.

Queen Camilla with winning connections of Goliath
Queen Camilla with winning connections of Goliath (Steven Paston/PA)

Not ready to contemplate hanging up his saddle just yet and having landed one of Britain’s best races once again, he has his eye on finally claiming Britain’s ultimate prize.

“My dream is to one day win the Epsom Derby, so if anyone wants to give me a good ride one time, I would be very happy with that,” he added, issuing a plea to any trainer with a Classic contender on their hands.

“I have ridden many big races in my life and the Kentucky Derby was one which was amazing. For me the Epsom Derby is the toughest race I have ridden in and I have enough experience now to understand how it works – you need a champion horse to win it.

“We’ll see, I’m not done, there’s plenty under my belt and I’ll keep going until my head tells me stop.”



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O’Brien unhappy with Ascot ground after Auguste Rodin falters

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Aidan O’Brien questioned the advertised going after Auguste Rodin was a beaten favourite in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes for the second year in a row.

It looked like the son of Deep Impact had erased his Ascot demons when winning the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at the Royal meeting, but his King George hoodoo remains after he could finish only fifth as the 7-4 market leader.

With his best performances coming on quick ground, forecast conditions looked perfect for the multiple Group One scorer to showcase his top form en route to the Japan Cup.

However, he was beaten with over a furlong still to run, with O’Brien left to question the underfoot conditions following his earlier walk of the course.

O’Brien said: “When we walked the track, we were very worried then. It was good, good to soft in places. Nowhere was it good to firm and it was cut up on the rails, it was full of sand.

“We knew we had no choice, that’s where we were, we had to go down there – and with the benefit of hindsight, we should have come off the bad ground and out onto the quicker ground.

“That’s the way it is and that’s the way it fell for us today. Listen, there will be other days.

“The plan was to run here and go on to the Japan Cup, but when we walked the track, we were worried. We were going to go to the Japan Cup and maybe give him a run in between somewhere, so we will see how he is and what the lads want to do.”

It was left to Ralph Beckett’s Bluestocking to fill the position of bridesmaid to runaway French raider Goliath and connections could now begin dreaming of trips to Paris later in the year, having followed up her maiden Group One win in the Pretty Polly Stakes with this brave effort in defeat.

“She ran an absolute stormer, we’re over the moon and she’s beaten some proper horses,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager of owners Juddmonte.

“It’s a great run and congratulations to Francis with the winner, his horse was awesome today.

Royal Ascot 2024 – Day Two – Ascot Racecourse
Trainer Ralph Beckett (John Walton/PA).

“It was a breakneck pace from start to finish, she was able to relax and Rossa (Ryan) was able to get her into a nice position and we knew she would finish off well – she did, but there was one too good for us today.

“We’ll just see how she is and that is two hard races in a month now. Ralph will see how she comes out of it and races like the Yorkshire Oaks, Prix Vermeille and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe are all on the cards – and we’ll let her tell us where she wants to go.

“In fairness, Ralph has done a remarkable job with her and Rossa gets on so well with her and everything we hoped she would become, she has become, so it is great.”

Meanwhile, it appears Rebel’s Romance will be back on the road after Charlie Appleby’s globetrotting six-year-old finished an honourable third in his quest to land a first Group One victory on home soil.

“It was a solid run again and realistically, on some paper form, this is the strongest depth of race he has been in,” said Appleby.

“Will (Buick) said he got a great run round there and he’s gone to win his race and found the length he would normally find, but there are younger, potentially classier horses coming over the top of you nowadays.

QIPCO King George Day – Ascot Racecourse – Saturday 27th July
Goliath was an impressive winner of the King George (Steven Paston/PA).

“In respects to where we go, we will be back on our travels, needless to say, with a horse who maintains plenty of enthusiasm to be competing at the top level. There are going to be opportunities abroad for him and that was a solid run against some of the best he will have faced for a few years.

“He might join the American team or he might go to Germany and then to the (Hong Kong) Vase.”

In response to O’Brien’s earlier comments about the ground, clerk of the course Chris Stickels said: “The times don’t indicate that (it is good, good to soft) from the round course.

“The times indicate it is as described on the round course. On the straight course, the times have indicated more like good ground.

“It was a fast time in the King George and the Valiant time also indicated a mixture of good to firm and good ground.

“We did put 3mm of water on last night, so yes, it was watered, but I don’t think the going description is vastly inaccurate.”



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Appleby thinking of Breeders’ Cup with Al Qudra after Ascot strike

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Al Qudra put his experience to good use when running out a ready winner of the Flexjet Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot and could be set for a tilt at Breeders’ Cup glory later on this year.

Charlie Appleby’s juvenile had already raced four times prior to this Listed-class contest, scoring at Lingfield before finishing a close-up fifth in the Coventry Stakes at the Royal meeting.

Stepping up to seven furlongs, William Buick was keen to control the pace out in front on the 4-1 chance, with the other four runners bunched up in behind.

At the business end of the contest, battle-hardened Al Qudra found much more than his rivals and galloped to the line to beat New Century by two and a quarter lengths, with odds-on favourite Chancellor back in third after encountering some trouble in running.

Appleby has an excellent record in this race and said: “He came in today with a lot of experience under his belt – he’s run twice over five, stepped up to six in the Coventry and up to seven today. He had the experience and we utilised that.

“Will was keen to go out there and just use his experience. You know what it’s like against some of those horses, they only had the one run, so it was a big step to change gears moving up to this level. He utilised his experience, but he’s not a bad horse himself.

“Take nothing away from what we’ve beaten, but he’s just a good, solid horse and I think he might make up into a Breeders’ Cup horse as he ticks a lot of boxes for the profile of horse that I like to take over there. Experience counts over there and he has plenty of that.

“I’m sure we will find another run before we go over to the Breeders’ Cup, although I haven’t really pinpointed one just yet.”



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Giant performance from Goliath in King George

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Goliath produced a spectacular performance at Ascot to give France a first King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes winner since 2006.

Hurricane Run was the last Gallic raider to land this midsummer showpiece, but Francis-Henri Graffard’s four-year-old ended that drought in emphatic fashion.

Turning for home, the stage looked set for a battle between market principals Auguste Rodin and Rebel’s Romance, but it was soon apparent that Christophe Soumillon was cruising in behind on Goliath.

Runner-up in the Hardwicke Stakes at the Royal meeting, the 25-1 outsider responded immediately – and impressively – when asked to kick on, powering clear to win by two and a quarter lengths, with Bluestocking staying on for second.

Rebel’s Romance was well beaten in third, while it was not to be in this race again for fifth-placed Auguste Rodin.

Graffard said: “I know my horse likes running off a good pace and can quicken like this, so we came here to Ascot to find a strong pace, as last time at Royal Ascot he was still too keen.

“So, we were desperate for some pace but when I saw his big odds I thought ‘oh my God, nobody believes in him’.

“But he travelled so nicely and when he was like that, I knew he was able to quicken strongly.

“When you come and you are around 28-1, you feel you might look like a fool and you don’t want that, but I think some punters will be happy now.”

Goliath comes back to the winner's circle
Goliath comes back to the winner’s circle (PA)

Hailing the display of Soumillon, the trainer added: “He’s just such a talented jockey, he never sat on the horse, but he galloped another horse the other day and this one was in behind, so he knew what he was sitting on.

“But he just knew what to do before the race, I didn’t have to tell him anything. You need to be a horseman and talented with your hands on this horse and Christophe knew exactly what to do and I think he really enjoyed it.”

Graffard, who won the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot with Calandagan, continued: “I worked for four years here in England for Sheikh Mohammed and went to every racetrack and fell in love with racing here, I think they have amazing races here.

“I always wanted to train in Chantilly but I knew that as soon as I had good horses I would try to come over and be competitive here. It’s always fantastic to be here and I really enjoy it.”

Asked about future plans for his star, Graffard said: “I don’t know without speaking to the owners. He can’t go for the Arc (as a gelding), so we will look at international races.

“Breeders’ Cup, the Japan Cup – all options are open to him. We’ll see how he comes back, but I can’t say for definite at this moment.”

A delighted Soumillon, who rode the aforementioned Hurricane Run in his King George win, said: “When I had a chance to look at the big screen I saw I was two or three lengths clear and I had to check I was not dreaming.

“It’s such an amazing feeling winning one of the biggest races in the world with an amazing horse. He was a 25-1 shot, but I was very optimistic and I knew he just needed a fast pace in the race. It was like a dream.”



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Northern Express steams to International success

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Northern Express produced a game front-running performance to pick up a deserved valuable prize in the £150,000 Moet & Chandon International Stakes over seven furlongs at Ascot.

The Michael Dods-trained six-year-old had run well in a series of big handicaps this season without quite claiming top honours, including two runner-up efforts at York and fifth place in the Buckingham Palace at the Royal meeting here.

However, he put that right when making all under regular pilot Paul Mulrennan at 22-1, just holding on from fast-finishing duo New Image and Fresh by a couple of necks.

Mulrennan said: “He has been a real good servant to everyone, we discussed it last week that he was just getting a little bit cute in his old age so we popped the cheekpieces on.

“I think he has finished fourth in this race the last twice, but typical of Michael he is great at keeping these horses going year after year and it’s great to get a winner here.

“You have to remember he has won over a mile hence we weren’t afraid to use him over seven and he kept grinding it out.

“He’s been very consistent in knocking on the door, and the cheekpieces had the desired effect. We couldn’t see any pace on and luckily I was able to get onto a fairly easy lead.”

He added: “The owners are all here and it’s massive as it is very hard to come down here and win.”



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Friendly Soul bounces back in some style at Ascot

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Kieran Shoemark enjoyed a welcome big-race victory as Friendly Soul galloped on strongly from the front to land the Longines Valiant Stakes at Ascot in convincing style.

Shoemark has had mixed fortunes since taking over as number one jockey for John and Thady Gosden, but silenced his doubters with a first Group Three triumph for the yard.

Friendly Soul was pressed by Doom entering the home straight, but responded admirably and powered clear to prevail by three lengths at 100-30.

She made it three wins from four outings, with the sole blip being a disappointing effort when sent off the odds-on favourite for the Musidora Stakes at York.

Kieran Shoemark returns victorious aboard Friendly Soul
Kieran Shoemark returns victorious aboard Friendly Soul (PA)

John Gosden said: “She won as a two-year-old and won very well in the Listed race (Pretty Polly, at Newmarket in May) over a mile and a quarter and we were thinking Prix de Diane.

“She was drawn nine at York and when you come out of stall nine over a mile and a quarter at York the stables are on your right. She saw that and cocked her jaw. She is a strong-willed lady and she cocked her jaw the whole race, so that explains that.

“We did a lot of checking her out as well and couldn’t find anything wrong and gave her lots of time off, as she is still an immature filly, and brought her back for this. She has done it in good style.

“The break has helped and she is still relatively immature, she is the type of filly who will get better as the year goes on. Mr (George) Strawbridge bred her and he knows the family well and she will be a lovely filly next year.

“That is a stiff mile and it rises a lot and I think a mile and a quarter is her proper trip – I wouldn’t want to go a mile and a half. We planned to run her in the Prix de Diane, but that race was in June so now we will have to come up with another Baldrick plan.”

Friendly Soul was a big winner for Kieran Shoemark
Friendly Soul was a big winner for Kieran Shoemark (Steven Paston/PA)

He went on: “It’s been difficult for Kieran because a lot of our horses haven’t been right. Our highest rated three-year-olds are her and Spiritual so our three-year-olds are, I’m afraid, way below what our owners would have wanted and the older horses, a lot of them didn’t click with the cold spring we’ve had, so to that extent it’s not been easy.

“I always remind people that we had a couple of winners at Ascot and they say we’ve had a terrible year and I say to them ‘what do you mean’ as we haven’t even got halfway through the year yet. As you know we’ve got the rest of the season to come and there is so much racing into late summer and autumn and if you want to you can carry on 12 months of the year. ”

Shoemark said: “John has been brilliant and offers me plenty of support. We’ve got a lot of nice horses and it’s very exciting going forward. John and Thady continue to have my back, as do all the owners, so it’s a pleasure and a privilege to ride for the team at Clarehaven and I look forward to what lies ahead.

“I think she is a progressive filly and I am glad to see her back to winning ways after her flop in the Musidora. We can put that behind us now and she hopefully has a bright future.”



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Ryan Moore brings Simmering to the boil just in time

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Simmering shed her maiden tag in style with a tenacious victory in the Sodexo Live! Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot.

Third in a hot novice at York first time up, she was thrown into the much hotter waters of the Albany Stakes at the Royal meeting, where only Aidan O’Brien’s exciting Fairy Godmother proved too good as she stormed home late in the day.

Sold privately to Al Shaqab Racing since then, Ollie Sangster’s filly gave her new owners an immediate return with Group Three honours.

There was a scare for backers of the 11-8 favourite when Mandurah got first run on the market leader, but once Ryan Moore got into the drive position, she finished strongly to beat Betty Clover and Tales Of The Heart by a neck and half a length.

Sangster said: “We’ll enjoy this and it was always the next step for us after the Albany.

“Ascot was a great day, even though we got beaten, and the filly has taken a good step forward and she has won it nicely in the end.

“I think everyone was surprised Fairy Godmother did what she did in the Albany; she came out of the clouds didn’t she.

“There were a few anxious moments a couple of furlongs out, but Ryan was happy and she did well.

“I think she has won it nicely in the end, despite having a few traffic problems, and hopefully she will take another step forward – Ryan said he thinks she will and said she was still a bit green coming through horses there. We’re looking forward to the rest of the season with her.

“She’s got plenty of speed and her sire Too Darn Hot was a very good miler. Ryan said he would advise going up to seven furlongs next time, so we will have to have a look at the schedule.

Simmering and Ryan Moore after winning the Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot
Simmering and Ryan Moore after winning the Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot (Adam Morgan/PA)

“I suppose we need to speak with Ryan and connections, they will have their own ideas on a schedule – and see how the filly is more importantly, and then make a plan.”

Simmering’s success continued a good week for the yard, with stablemate Celestial Orbit having scored in Listed company at Sandown on Thursday.

Sangster added: “Both Simmering and Celestial Orbit showed up sort of together in the spring and did a lot of work together, so that gave me a bit of extra confidence coming into today after the filly won well on Thursday.

“They are both different types of filly but it’s nice to have them in the yard and connections like that in the yard – it will be nice to see them get their heads in front again.”

Regarding Al Shaqab’s investment, he said: “The ownership changed at about half past nine on Thursday and it was pretty manic in the office.

Dante Festival 2024 – Day Three – York Racecourse
Trainer Ollie Sangster (Mike Egerton/PA).

“I’ve grown up watching Al Shaqab and Sheikh Joaan’s good horses like Toronado and Treve and all those other good horses, so for them to buy into a horse in our yard is a privilege and for it to get off to a good start, it couldn’t have gone any better.”

Al Shaqab racing manager Alison Begley commented: “We have had an eye on her since Ascot and then it was a case of getting our ducks in a row. The form was there in the book and she was sort of the obvious one, so I’m delighted it’s worked out well for everybody.

“Ryan was saying there that he thinks the Breeders’ Cup would be ideal. She’s got speed but he thinks she will be better again stepping up to seven furlongs – obviously Del Mar is a very sharp mile.

“That would be very long term and we would have to speak to the Al Shaqab team and everything and see where we go, but I think quick ground will be key to her.

“She was green still today and I think she will have learned a lot having to come through horses like she did, we were delighted with her.”



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Hannon voices Terms of endearment for Ascot maiden winner

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Ryan Moore made all on Our Terms to take the British EBF Crocker Bulteel ‘Confined’ Maiden Stakes at Ascot, where Al Misbar, who cost 1.5million guineas as a yearling, ultimately finished well beaten.

The Richard Hannon-trained winner had run with promise when fourth on his debut in a good maiden won by Field Of Gold on the July course at Newmarket and built on that with a determined display.

Back In Black pushed the 7-2 winner in the closing stages, but Moore’s mount refused to buckle in scoring by half a length.

The Charlie Appleby-trained Al Misbar – who is a half-brother to brilliant sprinter Battaash – was not the quickest away but was still able to move into it quite stylishly at halfway, looking a real threat before being eased when his chance had gone.

Hannon, who has a fine record in this race, said: “We’ve always quite liked him, and his first run was very nice. We decided to use his experience, it’s always a smart horse that wins this.

“The Mill Reef closes on Monday and then there’s the Gimcrack, but Ryan thinks he’s more of a seven-furlong horse. He’s something very nice to look forward to.”

Appleby said of Al Misbar: “It was his first day at school and it didn’t matter where he turned up, he was always going to be a fancied horse given his pedigree and his price. They don’t know their price though, so I never worry about stuff like that.

“Will (Buick) said he was going down nice and quiet but he was lugging to the left, lugging to the right, the usual first day stuff. We’ll get him back out again in three weeks’ time.”

William Haggas’ 11-8 favourite Elnajmm was a taking winner of the Betfred Handicap in the hands of Tom Marquand, while it was Archie Watson’s Albasheer who came home best in the concluding Whispering Angel Handicap.

The 100-30 scorer was trimmed from 6-1 from 10s for next weekend’s Stewards Cup at Goodwood, and winning jockey Hollie Doyle said: “I think that’s the aim and he doesn’t do a tap really. He’s got a big one in him for sure.

“I was unlucky not to win an Ayr Gold Cup on him and he’s got so much ability, he just needs things to go right.

“He has run in that race before, but it was the year it was almost waterlogged. You’re never quite sure what he is going to do, but he is in some form so you never know.”



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Turner follows up landmark success with Mount Atlas triumph

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Mount Atlas rose above his rivals to take the John Guest Racing Handicap at Ascot for Hayley Turner and Andrew Balding.

Fresh off the back of riding her 1,000th British winner at Yarmouth on Thursday evening, Turner took the ride on the 14-1 shot for the first time in his career.

The mile-and-a-half handicap, worth over £23,000 to the winner, had attracted a field of eight and Mount Atlas was ridden patiently towards the back of the field.

As the race progressed, the featherweight the horse was carrying began to tell and he stayed on best of all to succeed by half a length.

“He’s got a nice light weight, he stays well and he’s got a good attitude. He’s learning and growing and he’s doing it all the right way,” Turner told Sky Sports Racing.

“He’s quite lazy at home, he wouldn’t take your breath away on the gallops, but he does it on the racecourse and that’s the most important thing.”

Balding added: “He’s a horse we’ve always liked, he’s just always been a slow burner.

“Hayley’s done a wonderful job. Hayley’s a star, she works hard and she’s a lovely personality as well.

“She comes into us on a regular basis to ride out, she’s a very positive influence and we’re thrilled she’s got this milestone – hopefully with more to come.”

Balding had another winner on the card as Tactician took a step forward in his career with victory in the John Guest Racing Brown Jack Handicap.

Tactician winning the John Guest Racing Brown Jack Handicap
Tactician winning the John Guest Racing Brown Jack Handicap (Steven Paston/PA)

Beaten only a head at the track over a lesser trip last time out, the grey son of Lope De Vega was the 11-10 favourite under Oisin Murphy when tackling two miles for the first time.

He looked to relish the extended distance and came home three-quarters of a length to the good in a performance that could open up further staying options, such as the Melrose Stakes at York.

“He stays very well and it’s always a help when they like Ascot,” Balding said.

“It (the Melrose) is a possibility, there’s a nice handicap at Haydock as well. The fact that he stays two miles well brings other all-age races into play.

“He’s won off a mark of 86 today, so we’ll not get carried away, but he stays well and that is a help.”

Billy Mill and Saffie Osborne after winning the Chapel Down Handicap
Billy Mill and Saffie Osborne after winning the Chapel Down Handicap (Steven Paston/PA)

Rod Millman and Saffie Osborne teamed up with Billy Mill to land the Chapel Down Handicap at a price of 12-1.

The six-year-old was well guided through the contest to prevail by a length on the line from Ed Walker’s Amsterdam.

“I didn’t want him to jump as quickly as he did; sometimes when he sees a bit too much daylight, he gets too keen,” Osborne said.

“He settled beautifully and travelled into it really nicely. He’s done it really nicely in the end.”

Miss Fascinator opened her account at the third attempt in the John Guest Racing British EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes.

Miss Fascinator winning the John Guest Racing British EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes
Miss Fascinator winning the John Guest Racing British EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes (Steven Paston/PA)

A promising second on her debut at Newmarket in late June, Roger Varian’s youngster could finish only fifth when a firm favourite for her second start at the July meeting but set the record straight with a near three-length success in Berkshire as a 9-4 market leader under Silvestre de Sousa.

“Perhaps the ground went last time and that’s why she didn’t perform, but it’s good ground out there, she travelled nice behind the leaders and picked up really well,” the jockey said.

“She could go for a nursery. She’s got a lot to improve physically and mentally as well, but that will come in time.

“She’s a nice filly going forward.”

De Sousa enjoyed another victory as Assail took the Slingsby Gin Handicap for David Simcock at 4-1, with Osborne also riding a double as Alcazan struck in the concluding Berenberg October Club Supporting Back Up Fillies’ Handicap for Roger Teal at 12-1.



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Auguste Rodin now ready to exorcise King George demons

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Auguste Rodin will bid for King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes redemption at Ascot on Saturday, where he could also set up a tantalising tilt at the Japan Cup.

There is no doubting the star quality of Aidan O’Brien’s four-year-old, who has dazzled on numerous occasions throughout his career and boasts six Group One triumphs.

However, one major blip came when sent off favourite in this very race 12 months ago, where he trailed in last of the 10 runners in the hands of Ryan Moore.

Auguste Rodin winning the Irish Champion Stakes last September
Auguste Rodin winning the Irish Champion Stakes last September (Damien Eagers/PA)

He somewhat proved that was only a minor setback by going on to score in both the Irish Champion Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Turf at the back end of the season, with O’Brien putting his Ascot defeat down to both ground conditions and the instructions he gave his jockey.

The Ballydoyle handler said: “Last year, it was soft ground and we probably held him up too much.

“When Ryan felt he wasn’t going to win, he just eased him back out of it. Ryan does that sometimes and his run was a lot better than it looked, he was thinking of the next day. But he came out of the race very well.”

Auguste Rodin flopped again in March’s Dubai Sheema Classic but after a solid Tattersalls Gold Cup second, he went some way to erasing any Ascot demons when getting off the mark at four with a terrific display in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at the Royal meeting.

The Coolmore team are already eyeing taking the son of Deep Impact back to his father’s homeland for a shot at the Japan Cup.

“We’re very happy with him. The plan was always to go to Ascot after the Prince of Wales’s Stakes,” continued O’Brien.

“He will have one more run at the King George. We may go somewhere after that, but the ultimate goal is to get him to the Japan Cup, which would be very exciting.”

Joining Auguste Rodin on the Ballydoyle teamsheet is Coronation Cup scorer Luxembourg – who will attempt to better last year’s fourth in this event – with Hans Andersen also making the trip from Tipperary.

Luxembourg winning at Epsom
Luxembourg winning at Epsom (Mike Egerton/PA)

“Luxembourg, we’re very happy with him,” added O’Brien. “He won the Coronation Cup over a mile and a half and we thought it would suit him well. He’s in very good form.”

Like Auguste Rodin, Charlie Appleby’s Rebel’s Romance is on the Breeders’ Cup Turf roll of honour and the globetrotting star attempts to not only register a first top-level success on home soil, but also extend a four-race winning run, having excelled at both Meydan and Sha Tin in his most recent outings.

The Moulton Paddocks handler got his hands on this trophy in 2021 with Adayar and told www.godolphin.com: “It’s great to be part of such a historic race. There looks to be plenty of strength in depth in this year’s renewal, but we are very happy with Rebel’s Romance.

“He has earned his reputation on the international stage, and the only real omission on his CV is a Group One win in England. This looks a decent opportunity to fill that gap and he has come out of Hong Kong in great shape.

Rebel's Romance after his victory in the Breeders' Cup Turf
Rebel’s Romance after his victory in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (PA)

“Rebel’s Romance is a very uncomplicated horse these days and a true professional. It has been a faultless campaign so far and we feel he is a big player here.”

Adding further intrigue to the contest is Ralph Beckett’s Bluestocking, the only filly in the race, and a contender riding the crest of the wave after notching her first Group One success in the Pretty Polly Stakes – a victory which booked her ticket to this red-hot event.

“It’s the King George and they are the best of the best,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owners Juddmonte.

“Auguste Rodin and Rebel’s Romance are both top class and Luxemburg is a Group One winner on his last start, there is no shortage in quality from top to bottom. It’s going to be a top renewal and it’s nice to have a filly good enough to partake in it.

Bluestocking winning the Cairn Community Games Pretty Polly Stakes
Bluestocking winning the Cairn Community Games Pretty Polly Stakes (Damien Eagers/PA)

“She’s definitely matured a lot and last year, in fairness, she was probably a little weak. She was gallant in her efforts, but probably just had a bit of weakness, which wasn’t able to carry her through the line.

“This year, she has strengthened and Ralph has been very happy with her, she worked very well last Saturday and I think we’re in a good place, so hopefully we see that on Saturday.”

Francis-Henri Graffard’s French raider Goliath was second in the Hardwicke Stakes over track and trip last month and will have the assistance of Christophe Soumillon seeking to go one better, while third on that occasion was John and Thady Gosden’s Middle Earth, who is also in the mix.

His jockey Oisin Murphy felt the Australia-bound son of Roaring Lion was caught out by the lack of pace in that Group Two event, but believes he has the ideal spot in stall four to play a major part this time.

Middle Earth after winning at Newbury
Middle Earth after winning at Newbury (PA)

He said: “Middle Earth was caught out by a slow pace in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot, I should have tried to get more forward on him.

“He doesn’t break that well but I have a lovely draw alongside Rebel’s Romance and when looking at the race make-up, I thought Rebel’s Romance and Auguste Rodin would be towards the front end.

“Hopefully, I can get close to them throughout the race and although he has plenty to find on ratings, he is a horse who still has plenty of improvement in him.”

Middle Earth’s owners Qatar Racing also have an interest in David Menuisier’s Irish Derby runner-up Sunway, who is the sole three-year-old in the contest representing the Classic generation.

Sunway (right) running on to finish second in the Irish Derby
Sunway (right) running on to finish second in the Irish Derby (Damien Eagers/PA)

“It seems to be the trend these days that less and less three-year-olds run in the race, but you have to try them against older horses some time and they get an 11lb allowance,” said the Sussex-based Frenchman ahead of this British Champion Series contest.

“This is only the second race for them this summer, and a three-year-old won the first of them (City Of Troy in the Eclipse), so it’s doable.

“Sunway was possibly caught in traffic a bit at a crucial stage in Ireland, but we came back from there really chuffed because he’d vindicated what we thought of him, not thinking we were unlucky in the way Tamfana was in the 1000 Guineas.

“It took him a while to come to himself this season, and I’m not sure why, but he was a different horse already in the Prix du Jockey Club, where he nearly fell over coming out of the stalls, and the faster ground in Ireland worked in his favour, as I think he thrives on quick conditions and in fast-run races, even though he won on testing ground last year.

“Having taken so long to come to himself, I didn’t want to stop, and he came out of Ireland absolutely buzzing – kicking and bucking as if it hadn’t taken too much out of him. All the lights are green.”

William Haggas’ Dubai Honour completes the field, having won over this trip for the first time in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud last month.



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Chancellor looking to profit in Pat Eddery Stakes

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Chancellor has the chance to take high-rank in the juvenile division when he takes part in a red-hot Flexjet Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

Trained by John and Thady Gosden, he was sent to Doncaster for his debut, where he effortlessly overcame a slow start to breeze into contention a furlong from home before surging clear of his rivals in the closing stages.

It was a performance that has connections purring with excitement ahead of the colt’s step up to Listed level, as he also stretches out to seven furlongs, with Robert Havlin in the saddle once again.

“He was pretty impressive as we saw at Doncaster and we were thrilled that he transmitted a bit of what we saw on the gallops to the racecourse,” said Chris Richardson, managing director of owners Cheveley Park Stud.

“Everyone seems happy and this looks like a good next opportunity for him and it is exciting to have a colt with a bit of potential I think.

“He seems in great order and John and Thady seem very happy with him. It’s nice that Robert Havlin can retain the ride and we can continue that association.”

Those sentiments we’re echoed by Chancellor’s Clarehaven training team, with Thady Gosden pleased with what he has seen at home since his charge’s winning bow on Town Moor.

He said: “He won smartly at Doncaster first time out, he won in impressive style over six and can get further.

Thady Gosden has been encouraged by what he has seen from Chancellor
Thady Gosden has been encouraged by what he has seen from Chancellor (Mike Egerton/PA)

“He came out of Doncaster well, he’s mentally come forward for the run and he’s been in good order since.”

Sometimes in life things happen for a reason and with the son of Kingman – who is out of Cheveley Park’s own Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner Queen’s Trust – attracting little attention when sent to the sales, Chancellor’s owners are making the most of the opportunity to race the high-class prospect in there own famous red, white and blue colours.

“It’s funny, we normally have fillies, but it just so happened that last year when we took him to the sales people weren’t receptive to him for various reasons,” continued Richardson.

“We took a view that we would give him a chance and he’s a nice individual out of a proper mare who was hugely talented, let’s hope he’s exciting.”

Chief amongst Chancellor’s dangers is a fellow impressive winner in South Yorkshire, Andrew Balding’s New Century.

Another to bring a top-quality pedigree to the table, he is a son of connections’ 2000 Guineas hero Kameko and a half-brother to a Group Three winner.

The form of his comfortable Doncaster triumph was given a boost when the third, Field Of Gold, bolted up at Newmarket recently and his jockey Oisin Murphy is confident he will be thereabouts once again at the finish.

“He’s a lovely horse and he’s been perfect since Doncaster,” said Murphy.

“He’s probably not as fast as his sire, on his pedigree he’s bred to get a mile and a quarter anyway, and that may be the direction he may go in as a three-year-old.

New Century in the winner's enclosure at Doncaster
New Century in the winner’s enclosure at Doncaster (Molly Hunter/PA)

“The Juddmonte horse (Field Of Gold) he beat at Doncaster won at Newmarket and New Century is a lovely type. Whether he is quite as fast as Al Qudra or something else is another thing.

“I think he deserves his chance at this level and I expect him to be finishing the race well.”

New Century is owned by Qatar Racing and their racing manager David Redver is already plotting big things for the youngster as he attempts to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious sire.

He told Sky Sports Racing: “Andrew and Oisin are incredibly sweet on the horse. He’s got a similar career mapped out to his father and we’re taking a swing at the Pat Eddery because otherwise he’s got five weeks until the Solario and he’s bouncing out of his skin, according to Andrew.

“He does take on some promising looking horse – I was rather alarmed how easily Chancellor won for the Gosden team at Doncaster. But it’s a Listed race for two-year-olds at this time of year and it’s hard to find an easy one over seven furlongs.”

New Century finished behind Charlie Appleby’s Al Qudra at Lingfield on debut and the speedy son of No Nay Never brings experience to the table and adds further spice to the mix following his close-up fifth in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.

“Al Qudra brings experience into the Pat Eddery Stakes and I think the step up to seven furlongs can hopefully produce more improvement,” the Moulton Paddocks handler told www.godolphin.com.

“It was a solid effort in the Coventry Stakes and he looks a leading contender with this step up in distance.”

Sylvester Kirk’s Brian and Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole’s Sandown winner Dividend also take part in an intriguing contest.



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Boughey backing Soprano to be on song in Valiant Stakes

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Royal Ascot heroine Soprano returns to the scene of her finest hour seeking a first Group-level victory in the Longines Valiant Stakes.

George Boughey’s daughter of Starspangledbanner thrived over Ascot’s straight mile when claiming the Sandringham Stakes at the Royal meeting, but now looks to claim Group Three honours when tackling the Berkshire track’s round course.

Since her Sandringham success she has finished a respectable third when encountering soft ground in Sandown’s Listed Coral Distaff.

However, conditions should be ideal on Saturday afternoon for the three-year-old to return to her very best, with weighing-room star Billy Loughnane retaining the partnership.

Billy Loughnane celebrates with George Boughey after winning the Sandringham Stakes
Billy Loughnane celebrates with George Boughey after winning the Sandringham Stakes (John Walton/PA)

Boughey said: “It was a gallant effort on ground that was probably too slow for her at Sandown but it was good to see her show her versatility.

“She was never likely to get into the race from that draw and having to sit so far off the pace, but I couldn’t be much happier with how she has trained heading into this race and hopefully we get some decent ground and she should go there with a very good chance.

“There’s happy memories at Ascot and she’s a much more straightforward filly these days, you can just ride her wherever she lands and it’s over to Billy – he knows her very well from home and obviously on the track now as well.”

Soprano is one of a trio of three-year-olds in the contest, with John and Thady Gosden’s Friendly Soul dropping back in trip having disappointed when sent off favourite for the Musidora earlier in the season and Charlie Appleby’s Devoted Queen looking to maintain her unbeaten record.

Having opened her account at Newmarket late last season, Devoted Queen has confirmed the promise in two outings this year, firstly scoring at Kempton before striking at Listed level at York.

Devoted Queen is unbeaten in three starts
Devoted Queen is unbeaten in three starts (Steven Paston/PA)

She has been off the track since that impressive two-length victory on the Knavesmire in May, but the talented daughter of Kingman now returns taking another step up in grade.

“Devoted Queen has had a nice break since York and we feel that she is ready to step up into Group company,” Appleby told www.godolphin.com.

“She goes into this on the back of a nice preparation and we are looking forward to seeing how she gets on.”

The best of the older horses on official ratings is David Menuisier’s Sirona, with rider Oisin Murphy confident she can make her presence felt back at this level having dipped her toe into elite company in the Falmouth Stakes.

Before that run, she placed in Group Three company at both Haydock and Lingfield and is a filly who rarely disappoints her connections.

“She’s trained really well since David has got her and both of us have always liked her,” said Murphy.

“She has done nothing wrong in her starts this year.

“We obviously respect the three-year-old who gets weight, Devoted Queen, but Sirona comes out the highest rated and I would be very hopeful she will put up a brave show.”

William Haggas’ Doom was a respectable third in the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes at the Royal meeting and has been a consistent operator at this level, while Ryan Moore gets the leg-up aboard Joseph O’Brien’s Irish raider Thornbrook.

David O’Meara’s Julia Augusta and Richard Spencer’s Naomi Lapaglia complete the field.



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Sangster hopes Simmering can heat up once again at Ascot

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Royal Ascot runner-up Simmering returns to the Berkshire track in a bid to go one better in Saturday’s Sodexo Live! Princess Margaret Stakes.

The daughter of Too Darn Hot finished a promising third when favourite to make a winning debut at York in the spring and the form could hardly be stronger, with the winner Arabie now a dual Group-race scorer in France and the second and fourth also enjoying success since.

Simmering enhanced her own reputation by finishing second to Fairy Godmother in last month’s Albany Stakes, and the subsequent Duchess of Cambridge Stakes effort of third-placed Heavens Gate, the winner’s stablemate, paints that performance in a good light.

It is perhaps no surprise therefore that prominent owners Al Shaqab Racing have since snapped up Ollie Sangster’s filly and she will be well fancied to open her account at the third attempt at Group Three level this weekend in the hands of Ryan Moore, who takes over in the saddle from Jamie Spencer.

“She has done her final work, Jamie (Spencer) has been in recently and was very happy with her and we’re really looking forward to running her,” said Sangster.

“The form from Ascot has worked out well at Newmarket and the Karl Burke horse who beat her on debut is now a Group Two winner in France. It will be nice to get her back out.”

On the change in colours ahead of Saturday, Sangster added: “We’re very excited to have Sheikh Joaan and the Al Shaqab team in the yard and look forward to training for them. Hopefully we can have some success together.”

Oisin Murphy is looking forward to partnering the Andrew Balding-trained Handcuffed, who is a half-sister to the talented Tactical and carried the royal colours of the King and Queen to a debut victory at Newbury three weeks ago.

“She won nicely at Newbury and was still a little bit babyish and this is a step up in class, but when they win on debut with the pedigree she has, she’s entitled to step up to a Pattern race,” said the former champion jockey.

“I haven’t ridden her since Newbury, but Andrew seems very happy with her.”

Definitive also obliged on her introduction and has her sights raised by Clive Cox, who said: “She won very pleasingly at Haydock first time up and it was a very good display for a first outing.

“It’s a big step and she will come forward hugely for that first run. We liked her going into that race and she did everything really nicely.

“It was her first day away from home and we’ve been thrilled with how she has come back, hence the reason we are taking this step.”

Newmarket scorer Mandurah is a third once-raced winner in the mix for Simon and Ed Crisford, while Ralph Beckett saddles the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes sixth Tales Of The Heart.

Of Mandurah, Ed Crisford said: “She won her maiden well at Newmarket, we’ve always liked the filly and at home she looks like she’s improved enough to take her chance in a stakes race.

“It’s a competitive race and there’s some very good fillies in there, but if she improves, hopefully she’ll be in the mix.

“You’ve got to see where you stand really. It’s only her second run, but we’ve been very pleased with her since Newmarket and she’s got a nice pedigree, so we’ll let her take her chance.”



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Auguste Rodin to face eight rivals in King George

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Auguste Rodin heads a high-class field of nine runners declared for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

Bitterly disappointing in this race 12 months ago having won the Derby and the Irish equivalent, he bounced back to claim the Irish Champion Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Turf.

Aidan O’Brien’s charge was last seen winning the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at the Royal meeting and will be a hot favourite to follow up on his return to Berkshire this weekend.

The Deep Impact colt is joined by his Coronation Cup-winning stablemate Luxembourg, as well as Hans Anderson, but O’Brien has decided against saddling St Leger winner Continuous and Point Lonsdale.

High on the list of opposition is the Charlie Appleby-trained Rebel’s Romance, himself a Breeders’ Cup Turf winner. Also on his CV is the Dubai Sheema Classic – in which Auguste Rodin was last – and Hong Kong’s Champions & Chater Cup.

Top-notch filly Bluestocking is set to take her chance for Ralph Beckett and Juddmonte, having got off the mark at Group One level in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh.

Bluestocking (right) winning at the Curragh
Bluestocking (right) winning at the Curragh (Damien Eagers/PA)

David Menuisier’s Irish Derby runner-up Sunway represents the Classic generation, with French interest coming in the shape of Hardwicke Stakes second Goliath for Francis-Henri Graffard.

Further representing the Hardwicke form is John and Thady Gosden’s third-placed Middle Earth, while William Haggas will saddle his Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud victor Dubai Honour.

Middle Earth carries the colours of Qatar Racing, who are also part-owners of Sunway.

Racing manager David Redvers feels Middle Earth is capable of better than he showed in the Hardwicke and is excited to see how he fares at the top level this weekend.

Middle Earth and Oisin Murphy after winning at Newbury in May
Middle Earth and Oisin Murphy after winning at Newbury in May (Steven Paston/PA)

“There was no pace in the race at Ascot at all and he missed the break and that counted against him. They all quickened up at the same time and he was having to make up ground when everything else was accelerating, so it just didn’t work,” he told Sky Sports Racing.

“Immediately after the race, John Gosden said he was really looking forward to the King George. He felt we’d see a proper running from the horse there, so that’s what we’re doing.

“It’s just (a question of) whether or not he’s good enough. Apart from in the Hardwicke, every time he’s run on good or better ground, he’s looked a very serious horse.

“What we know of his ability gives him a very strong outside chance and we’re definitely looking forward to seeing him run.”

Of Sunway, Redvers added: “He’s a very good horse and he’s a horse that’s clearly on the improve.

“He’s been very well brought along by David and we’re very much looking forward to seeing him, as the sole three-year-old in the race.

“It’s a very tough contest and who knows how the generational clash will work out? It’s rather disappointing that there aren’t more three-year-olds taking on the older horses, but we’re looking forward to a good run.”



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Bluestocking connections keen for ease in the ground ahead of King George bid

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Connections of Bluestocking are keen to see some rain materialise on Thursday to allow her the chance to build on her maiden Group One success and take on the colts in a red-hot King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

A runner-up in both the Irish Oaks and over the King George track and trip on British Champions Day last year, the daughter of Camelot is getting her just rewards for some consistent performances at three this term.

After dazzling at York in the Middleton Stakes on her return, she recorded Group One honours for the first time when landing the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh, a performance which teed-up a shot at the likes of Auguste Rodin and Rebel’s Romance in Ascot’s midsummer highlight.

Trainer Ralph Beckett indicated his intention to return to a mile and a half in this event providing conditions did not get too quick in Berkshire.

That has been echoed by Juddmonte’s Barry Mahon, who is hoping the forecast rain appears later this week to take the sting out of the ground and aid Bluestocking’s chances.

“I think Saturday is a real possibility and we said we were going to watch the weather,” said Mahon, who is Juddmonte’s European racing manager.

“There is a bit of rain coming in on Thursday and depending on where you look you get different amounts.

Team Bluestocking celebrate her Pretty Polly success
Team Bluestocking celebrate her Pretty Polly success (Damien Eagers/PA)

“There is some rain coming and Ascot have watered as well and I think the ground is good, good to firm. There is not a whole lot more rain coming for Goodwood (Nassau Stakes) next week (which is another option) and at the minute we’ll be looking at the King George.

“We’ll monitor the situation and as Ralph said, if it was very quick ground we would probably have to relook at it. At the minute we’re going to keep going towards Saturday and hope they get a millimetre or two more than they are forecast.”

It could prove a key afternoon for the Bluestocking team with the outcome of her performance determining where connections focus in the latter segment of the season.

A bold showing could see the four-year-old ignite Parisian dreams for the autumn, where she could get the chance to go one better than former stablemate Westover in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

A return to York is an option for Bluestocking
A return to York is an option for Bluestocking (Mike Egerton/PA)

Mahon added: “I think if Saturday went well and she came out of it well and ran OK we would be thinking about the Yorkshire Oaks.

“Again depending on Saturday, if she shows that she is up to handling the colts, we can look at the Arc. There’s also the Prix Vermeille.

“She’s entitled to run in these big races. She’s now a Group One winner and she’s multiple Group One placed and at the stage of the season we are at, we will keep going at the top table with her.”



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