ASCOT // Is it a surprise to read that trainer Aidan O'Brien and jockey Johnny Murtagh teamed up to win the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot yesterday? In sending out Duke Of Marmalade to win the feature race at the Berkshire track yesterday, the Ballydolyle pair scooped their 14th Group 1 success of the season. It was a tremendous performance by the Danehill colt, and one that highlighted Duke Of Marmalade's ability to stay 12 furlongs at the highest level.
Murtagh was content to hold up his charge in the rear, but once the field swept into the straight the Irishman made his move. Swooping in the trail of Ask, ridden by Ryan Moore, Murtagh took the lead in the final two furlongs. "He picked up very well, so I was surprised to see a horse with us in the final furlong," said Murtagh. "To go a neck down in the last 200 metres and still win, well, he's a true champion."
It was a good day for the Emirates as the Saeed Suhail-owned Perfect Stride led home a 1-2-3 for the region in the Emirates NBD Cup earlier in the day. Ridden by Moore, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt strode out along the Knavesmire and hit the front inside the final two furlongs to win well. The Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum-owned Yaddree finished second - ahead of Yamal, who is owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed.
In the races at York, Godolphin, who did not have a runner in the King George for the first time in the last 10 years, sent out Campanologist to finish second behind Pipedreamer once more in the Group 2 York Stakes. @Email:sports@thenational.ae
