Racing:Ceiling Kitty (20-1) had her better-fancied stable companion Upward Spiral back in fourth place when landing the Queen Mary Stakes. But it was a good day for the Irish.
Despite drifting left, the Tom Dascombe-trained filly had enough in hand under Richard Kingscote to hold Hoyam by a length with Hairy Rocket another length back in third.
“I expected to win the race but I can’t honestly say I expected her to do it,” said Dascombe. “We talked and talked about it and she had the experience and she is tough. I still say Upward Spiral is the better horse but not today. It doesn’t really matter. Andrew Black owns her and it’s a dream to give him a winner here after all the support and loyalty he has given me. We’ll have to give six furlongs a go now.”
Prince of Johanne (16-1) became the first horse since Sterope in 1949 to win both the Cambridgeshire and the Royal Hunt Cup. In the process he ended a 250-day lean spell on the Flat for his trainer Tom Tate when lifting Ascot’s mile handicap. Excellent Guest threw down the biggest challenge but went down by half a length.
“When he won the Cambridgeshire he made all and put pace to the race so we tried him over a mile at York and he produced a career best,” said Tate. “We thought we’d stay down that route and come here as this was the obvious race, but when you see the grandee of racing here you think you have no chance. Now he’s won this he’ll have to try Listed races.”
Winning rider John Fahy was banned for seven days (July 4-10) for using his whip above what is permitted and fined £1,100. Duntle (4-1 favourite) ended a good day for the Irish with victory for trainer David Wachman and jockey Wayne Lordan by half a length over Alsaadi in the Sandringham Handicap.
“After she ran very well in the Leopardstown fillies’ trial we decided to wait for this. We’ve always thought a lot of her,” said Wachman.. “She’s likely to finish her career in America. We’re not sure when and I’m sure she’ll do great things over there. I’ll speak to Alan Cooper (racing manager) to decide where she goes before then.
“She’s a smart filly and has always shown us plenty, she’s got Group One entries. I won’t let go of her just yet.”