HIGHLAND Reel and Ryan Moore won the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the big race at Ascot on Saturday.

After jumping out well, Moore kept Highland Reel at the front of a generous gallop and quickly found himself four lengths ahead.

Wings of Desire and Frankie Dettori attempted to narrow the gap, with Moore giving Highland Reel a rest rounding the final bend.

That jockeyship paid dividends as the Aidan O’Brien four-year-old found enough to hold Wings of Desire in the final furlong.

The Queen’s horse Dartmouth had too much to do in the closing stages but stayed on well for third.

Highland Reel’s stablemate Sir Isaac Newton finished fourth.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “He’s a horse that can go anywhere from a mile and a quarter to a mile and a half – The Breeders Cup Turf, he can go to Australia, he can go to Hong Kong, Japan, he’s got an awful lot of options.

“We knew he didn’t mind making the running. He won the Secretariat and killed them so if he’s left in front, he’s very happy and if there’s pace he’s happy with that too – he’s a very unique horse really.”

Meanwhile, Librisa Breeze won the Gigaset International Stakes after a fine ride by Robert Winston saw 23 runners behind him.

Frankel’s offspring continue to impress and Frankie Dettori and Fair Eva eased to a four length win in the Princess Margaret Juddmonte Stakes, wearing the colours his father wore with pride.

The odds-on shot travelled like a dream and lead one furlong out to make it two wins in two runs.

Apex King won the opening race of the day on King George Day in a thrilling finish at 12/1 as Andre Atzeni gave him the perfect ride.

Moore and Von Blucher were heavily backed for success in the Woodford Reserve Handicap Stakes, but it was 8/1 shot Mustashry and Dane O’Neill who came out on top, beating Pirouette and Kieran O’Neill.

Hawkeythenoo rolled back the years to win the Longines Handicap Stakes under Mrs C Bartley at 12-1.

The final race of the day was won by Real Dominion for West Berkshire trainer, Andrew Balding.

Last Friday saw Yorkidding and Richard Kingscote land the John Guest Handicap Stakes for Mark Johnston.

Red Box and Luke Morris survived a lengthy Stewards Enquiry to win the Carraig Insurance EBF Stallions Breeding Winners Valliant Stakes at 14/1.

The John Guest Brown Jack Stakes resulted in a thrilling finish between the market leaders as Sea of Heaven and Morris pipped Nakeeta and Royston Ffrench in the final few strides of the two mile race.

In the opening race, favourite Kazimiera took the John Guest British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes with James Doyle on board.

The second Maiden Stakes of the day went to Richard Hannon’s Eqtiraan.
Alpha Delphini scored at 8/1 in the SIS Live Handicap Stakes after a superb ride from Connor Beasley.

The final race of the day saw Midnight Malibu impressively win.

Racing returns to Ascot on Saturday, August 6 with the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup.

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