The pre-race favourite Kyprios has won the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot as Ryan Moore put in a top display to give Aidan O’Brien his eighth win in this event.
Stradivarius, in his Ascot farewell, was once again caught up in the running and by the time Frankie Dettori had found him so space on the outside, it was too late. The eight-year-old, who was once again looking to match Yeats’ record of four Gold Cups, finished strongly but couldn’t quite close the gap to the top two.
Now, it remains to be seen where the great champion’s future lies, with the Goodwood Cup potentially the last time we will get to see him in action. Dettori was actually forced to dismount and walk Stradivarius to the gates, and the popular eight-year-old looked so chilled as he meandered to the start.
Kyprios was the pre-race favourite based on potential, and he was yet to run at this extreme trip. His pedigree is full of class but his lack of experience at this level raised questions before the off. However, with Ryan Moore on board, those questions were put to bed with the biggest win of his career so far.
The two favourites were in the midfield for the majority of the running as Earlofthecotswolds led the way early on. But the outsider was swallowed up as they turned for home as Mojo Star and Kyprios took the initiative, as Stradivarius took the scenic route around the outside. Those three dashed for home but it was the four-year-old favourite who came out on top, leaving Mojo Star to come to terms with another second place finish.
Stradivarius just couldn't get up in time to challenge
#ITVRacing | #RoyalAscot
Rossa Ryan, on Mojo Star said after the race:
“He’s run super. He’s the most genuine horse I’ve ever ridden. For his first run of the year against hardened, fit horses – he is only going to improve.
“He’s a different horse this year and definitely better than last year. In good time, he might come and dominate this category.”
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