Racing: Ad Valorem produced a telling turn of foot to land a dramatic renewal of the Queen Anne Stakes for Aidan O'Brien on the first day of the Royal Ascot meeting this afternoon.
The four-year-old scored by one and a half lengths for O'Brien and Kieren Fallon, although Court Masterpiece looked unlucky in second, as Jamie Spencer was denied a clear run and forced to snatch up when delivering his challenge inside the final furlong.
Michael Stoute's Peeress was also affected by the trouble late on, which allowed Proclamation to snatch third place. A stewards' inquiry was immediately called but the result was unaffected.
Araafa had earlier justified favouritism in no uncertain terms with a decisive victory in the St James's Palace Stakes.
Jeremy Noseda's colt lowered the colours of George Washington in the Irish 2000 Guineas last time out and produced another excellent performance to win this Group One contest at odds of 2-1.
Stormy River came from a mile back to finish second, while the Aidan O'Brien trained Ivan Denisovich and Marcus Andronicus were third and fourth.
Australian challenger Takeover Target ran out a thrilling winner of an eventful renewal of the King's Stand Stakes.
Jay Ford's mount was always prominent in the centre of the track and made his move approaching the final two furlongs.
The 7-1 shot responded gamely to pressure and held the fast-finishing Benbaun by the narrowest of margins.Pivotal Point finished an honourable third.
The gelding was following the example of another Australian speedster, Choisir, who three years ago won the King's Stand Stakes before going on to complete a memorable Royal Ascot double in the Golden Jubilee Stakes.
Takeover Target will now seek to emulate Choisir in the same race on Saturday.