Sir Michael Stoute Enters Royal Ascot Record Books With Poet's Word Success

Prince Of Wales odds-on favourite Cracksman was surprisingly overturned by Poet’s Word, as Sir Michael Stoute enjoyed a historic Royal Ascot double, making him Royal Ascot’s winning most trainer.

The Newmarket based trainer overtook the record of 75 winners set by the late Sir Henry Cecil with the Group One success, before Expert Eye followed up in the closing Jersey Stakes.

Dual Group One winner Cracksman was expected to land the Prince Of Wales spoils, but the race opened up for Stoute’s four-year-old when Frankie Dettori was forced to push the son of Frankel early on.

The Italian jockey, who won three races yesterday, and the former seven length Champion Stakes hero hit the front, but Doyle and the strong travelling Poet’s Word reeled him in and took over ensuring a two-and-a-quarter length victory.

“It’s a relief because we were stuck on 75 last year,” said Stoute, whose first winner at this meeting came in 1977.

“Henry (Cecil) did most of his training when it was a four-day meeting, so I have an advantage. Nobody respected him greater than I did as a trainer.

“Cracksman beat Poet’s Word a long way here last time (Champion Stakes). Maybe he’s not at his best now, but we have beaten the others comprehensively.

“Poet’s Word is a very consistent, brave, sound horse. A huge well done to all the staff because they have put a lot of work into this. It’s great for him to win one too.

“Royal Ascot is very special to any trainer. We have been very lucky in that we have brought a lot of nice horses here over the years. We’re very glad it’s happened and it’s great for all the staff.”

Connections described Cracksman as ‘lazy’ following his disappointing second place effort, he could wear headgear in future races and the King George has been suggested as his next race.

Elsewhere on the card, Aljazzi ran out a stylish winner of the Group Two Duke Of Cambridge Stakes for Marco Botti and William Buick.

The five-year-old, who was second in the one mile event last year, stayed on well past Tribute Act to give her trainer a first winner at Royal Ascot.

Irish training maestro Aidan O’Brien saddled the first three home in the Group Two Queen’s Vase with favourite Kew Gardens leading the Ballydoyle.

Ryan Moore steered the three-year-old, who was last seen finishing ninth in the Derby, ahead of Southern France and Nelson for his first winner of the five day meeting.

There was more luck for the Irish as David Marnane-trained Settle For Bay conquered 30 rivals in the Royal Hunt Cup, meanwhile 33-1 outsider Signora Cabello landed the Queen Mary Stakes for John Quinn and Oisin Murphy.