Stradivarius ‘Brave As A Lion’ As John Gosden And Frankie Dettori Glitter In Gold Cup At Royal Ascot

Frankie Dettori compared Stradvarius to a lion after John Gosden’s four-year-old came out victorious in one of the most thrilling Gold Cup finishes in history.

Dettori, who won Tuesday’s feature race aboard Without Parole, kept the former Yorkshire and Goodwood Cup winner in behind favourite Order Of St George before making his move in the final two furlongs.

The son of Sea The Stars rallied and overtook but was soon joined in a ferocious battle to the line by French raider Vazirabad, under an inspired ride the pair charged to line as Dettori pointed to the packed out Ladies’ Day crowd in celebration of his three-quarter length win.

It’s the first taste of Gold Cup success for trainer John Gosden, whilst for Dettori it’s his sixth victory in the pinnacle race of Royal Ascot.

“Stradvarius was a lion, he fought everything off,” said the Italian maestro.

“I wanted to time it right and in the end he took off. The crowd were behind it, it was mental really. I was loving it.

“To get the three best horses in the final furlong battling it out, you can’t ask for more than that.

“Full credit to the horse, he was as brave as a lion. And well done to John (Gosden). The Gold Cup is the highlight of the week and to win it again is amazing, especially as it’s my first one for the team who have been fabulous behind the scenes.”

Although favourite Order Of St George finished fourth, it proved a very successful day for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore who enjoyed a double on the card.

Last seen finishing sixth in the French Derby, Hunting Horn ran out an authoritative winner of the Group Three Hampton Court Stakes, meanwhile Oaks fourth Magic Wand landed the Ribblesdale ahead of Wild Illusion.

American trainer Wesley Ward celebrated his first winner of the week with Shang Shang Shang in the opening Norfolk Stakes. The juvenile came out a narrow winner ahead of Pocket Dynamo.

In the two handicaps, Ostilio landed the Britannia handicap for Silvestre De Sousa and Simon Crisford, whilst Baghdad landed the King George V for Mark Johnston and Andrea Atzeni.