Goliath Reigns Supreme

In a complete shock at Ascot, the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes went to France, as favourites underperform.

A midsummer event, which is often one of the standout races of the season; the King George has thrown up some memorable moments over the years. Bustino vs Grundy in 1975, Dancing Brave in 1986, Galileo in 2001 and Enable’s double only a few years ago.

This year, Derby hero Auguste Rodin was hoping to redeem himself after last year’s blowout whilst globetrotting Rebel’s Romance was looking to add another Group One to his illustrious CV.

As expected the two Aidan O’Brien pacemakers, Luxembourg and Hans Andersen, made headway with Rebel’s Romance not far off the pace.

Travelling up the hill out of Swinley bottom, the pacemakers upped the tempo with Rebel’s Romance and Auguste Rodin winding up to mount their challenges, with French outsider Goliath also poised.

Entering the straight Rebel’s Romance made his bid for glory, as Auguste Rodin failed to pick up and Bluestocking flew down the outside. However, Goliath was still travelling under Christophe Soumillon, who eased his way to the front and was not for catching.

Soumillon celebrated up in his irons, whilst another disappointing run from Auguste Rodin was blamed on the ground, with O’Brien saying it was softer than advertised.

Watch the race HERE.

Earlier on the card, Friendly Soul was back in the winners enclosure, having taken a break following her hugely disappointing run in the Musidora in May. Leading all the way, Doom and Naomi Lapaglia provided some challenge, but Kieran Shoemark quickened Friendly Soul and was able to win comfortably by three lengths.

In the Princess Margaret Stakes, Simmering got her first win after placing in her first two runs this season. Managing to find a gap inside the final couple of furlongs, she managed to run down Mandurah and Betty Clover to gain her maiden victory.

Over at York, there was a small field full of quality in a tight renewal of the York Stakes, with Alflaila looking to win the race back-to-back for the first time in its history.

London Gold Cup winner, and Royal Ascot second King’s Gambit led the way, with Royal Rhyme for Karl Burke racing keenly

Racing down the far side, Alflaila undercut Passenger to go into third and bear down on the two leaders who were fighting hard between them. Jockey Jim Crowley pulled Alfalila down the centre of the course and had to ask a lot of him to try and get past the two long-time leaders, with Passenger running on in behind.

It wasn’t until the final 150 yards that Alflaila stuck his head out and managed to run down King’s Gambit in time.