The members of Highclere
Thoroughbred Racing were visibly overjoyed after 8/1 shot Opinion landed the
Duke of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot this afternoon.
The four-year-old took up
the running a couple of furlongs from home and although they had to fend off
the challenge of Frankie Dettori aboard the 5/1 favourite Stencive, Sir Michael
Stoute's colt fought hard to register a gutsy victory.
Opinion had been the lead
horse for the syndicate's Investec Derby hope Telescope earlier in the season
but he had his day in the limelight here and Highclere's managing director
Harry Herbert has some high hopes for his charge later in the season.
"We're thrilled to bits
with that as having winners at Royal Ascot is exactly what we're about,"
said Herbert.
"It is so exciting to
have a winner and it's the theatre of dreams. This was the last shot for us and
we have had some excitements and disappointments throughout the week.
"Royal Ascot is best
race meeting in the world and it is where everybody wants to win a race. When
you go to the yearling sales that is where the seed germinates and every
yearling we look at with John (Warren) he will say to me: 'can this win a Classic
or at Royal Ascot?'
"We have been
incredibly lucky at this meeting and it is wonderful to have this
success."
"He was trained for
this race by Sir Michael after doing the donkey work for Telescope earlier on
this year.
"The Ebor (at York)
is very much on the agenda now and we hope he could be good enough for the
Melbourne Cup later on in the year."
Jockey Ryan Moore was
recording his third victory of the Royal Meeting aboard Opinion and he declared
himself 'satisfied' with his performance this week.
"The race worked out
very well and we were able to get a good spot. I filled him up for a long time
and he stays very well - you could see that in the last furlong.
"The ground was fast
on Guineas day at Newmarket and the track runs away from you for quite a while
but the stiffer track here has helped him.
"I have to be
satisfied with how the meeting has gone."
HAGGAS
PHILOSOPHICAL
William Haggas's runners
have been knocking on the door without winning all week at Royal Ascot and
Stencive continued the trend when second to Highclere Thoroughbred Racing's
Opinion in the concluding Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap.
"If it hadn't been
(Highclere managing director) Harry (Herbert)'s horse that won I would have
been feeling differently but I'm delighted for Harry," said Haggas.
"It has just been one of those weeks this year but I'm chuffed to bits
with how Stencive ran. I think the draw probably didn't help him."
Godolphin's Usturia
finished third and racing manager Simon Crisford commented: "He's run a
lovely race and we're very happy with him but he was just beaten by two better
horses."
5.00pm
Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap
£75,000
total prize fund. For 3yo+ rated 0-105 , 1m 4f. Weights: highest weight not
less than 9st 10lb; minimum weight 8-0. Penalties: after June 15th, a winner
4lb A winner of 2 races 7lb. Penalty value 1st £46,687.50 2nd £13,980.00 3rd
£6,990.00 4th £3,495.00 5th £1,747.50 6th £877.50.
1.
OPINION (IRE) (Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Herring) Sir Michael Stoute
4-9-00 Ryan Moore [10] 8/1
2
STENCIVE (Bernard Kantor & Markus Jooste) William Haggas 4-9-03 Frankie
Dettori [20] 5/1 Fav
3. USTURA
(USA) (Godolphin) Saeed bin Suroor 4-8-11 Silvestre de Sousa [6] 7/1
4.
CARAVAN ROLLS ON (Qatar Racing Limited) Peter Chapple-Hyam 5-9-00 Jamie Spencer
[17] 11/2
5. LAHAAG
(Hamdan Al Maktoum) John Gosden 4-9-05 Richard Hughes [4] 15/2
6. SIR
GRAHAM WADE (IRE) (Paul Dean) Mark Johnston 4-9-10 Joe Fanning [14] 16/1
7. BLUE
SURF (John Connolly & Partners) Amanda Perrett 4-9-03 Pat Dobbs [1]
8.
HAMMERFEST (Qatar Racing Limited) John Hammond 6-9-05 Jim Crowley [18]
9. SILVER
LIME (USA) (Khalid Abdullah) Roger Charlton 4-8-11 James Doyle [19]
10.
BEAUMONT'S PARTY (IRE) (Elliott Brothers And Peacock) Brian Ellison 6-9-00 Dale
Swift [15]
11.
COMMUNICATOR (Lady Davis) Andrew Balding 5-9-01 Jimmy Fortune [5]
12.HIGHLAND
CASTLE (J Wotherspoon & W Harrison-Allan) David Elsworth 5-8-13 Liam Keniry
[3]
13. ART
SCHOLAR (IRE) (Mrs J Scrivens) Mick Appleby 6-9-01 Tom Queally [7]
14.
HANOVERIAN BARON (Paul Moulton) Tony Newcombe 8-8-12 Seb Sanders [16]
15. DEIA
SUNRISE (IRE) (Martin Hughes & Michael Kerr-Dineen) Paul Webber 4-9-02
William Buick [21]
16.
BUCKLAND (IRE) (P McNally) Hans Adielsson 5-9-04 Nicole Nordblad (5) [2]
16 ran
Non-runners: Rye House (Going), Voodoo Prince (Going), The Tiger (Going)
Time: 2m
31.30s Distances: 2, 2, 1, 1¾, 1¼, nk, ¾, nk, nk, 4, 1¼, ¾, 6, ½, 1
Breeder:
Ballylinch Stud Breeding: 4 b c Oasis Dream - Kiltubber (IRE) (Sadler's Wells
(USA))
Tote Win
£9.20 Places £2.30, £1.70, £2.20, £1.60 Exacta £50.40
Winning
trainer:-Name: Stoute, Sir Michael Ronald Date of birth:22/10/45 Date
of first licence: 1972 First Winner: Sandal, Newmarket, April 28,
1972, Turn Of The Lands Handicap. Previous Occupation: Served with Pat
Rohan, Doug Smith and Tom Jones. Other information: Arrived in Britain
from his native Barbados just before his 20th birthday and has won the Champion
Hurdle at Cheltenham with Kribensis in 1990. Was the only trainer to win a
British Classic in five consecutive seasons. Was awarded a knighthood in 1998
for services to tourism in Barbados. Has been champion trainer on 10 occasions:
1981, 1986, 1989, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2009 British
Classic Wins (15):1000 Guineas (1989 Musical Bliss, 2003 Russian Rhythm),
2000 Guineas (1985 Shadeed, 1988 Doyoun, 1997 Entrepreneur, 2000 King's Best,
2001 Golan), Investec Derby (1981 Shergar, 1986 Shahrastani, 2003 Kris Kin,
2004 North Light, 2010 Workforce), Investec Oaks (1978 Fair Salinia, 1987
Unite), Ladbrokes St Leger (2008 Conduit) Irish Classic Wins (11): Irish
1,000 Guineas (1986 Sonic Lady), Irish 2,000 Guineas (1989 Shaadi), Irish Derby
(1981 Shergar, 1983 Shareef Dancer, 1986 Shahrastani), Irish Oaks (1978 Fair
Salina, 1986 Colorspin, 1987 Unite, 1988 Melodist (dh), 1995 Pure Grain, 2000
Petrushka) Other Major Wins: Champion Stakes (1997 Pilsudski, 2000
Kalanisi), Cheveley Park Stakes (1980 Marwell, 1994 Gay Gallanta, 2000 Regal
Rose), Coronation Cup (1992 Saddles' Hall, 1993 Opera House, 1997 Singspiel,
2000 Daliapour, 2009 Ask), Dewhurst Stakes (1986 Ajdal), Coral-Eclipse (1993
Opera House, 1994 Ezzoud, 1997 Pilsudski, 2001 Medicean, 2007 Notnowcato),
Falmouth Stakes (1983 Royal Heroine, 1986 & 1987 Sonic Lady, 1998 Lovers
Knot), Fillies' Mile (1985 Untold, 2003 Red Bloom), Haydock Sprint Cup (1986
Green Desert, 1987 Ajdal), Juddmonte International (1986 Shardari, 1993 &
1994 Ezzoud, 1997 Singspiel, 2006 Notnowcato), Darley July Cup (1981 Marwell,
1986 Green Desert, 1987 Ajdal), King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1981
Shergar, 1993 Opera House, 2002 Golan, 2009 Conduit, 2010 Harbinger), Lockinge
Stakes (1986 Scottish Reel, 1990 Safawan, 1995 & 1996 Soviet Line, 2001
Medicean, 2004 Russian Rhythm, 2006 Peeress), Nassau Stakes (1977 Triple First,
1984 Optimistic Lass, 1990 Kartajana, 1994 Hawajiss, 2002 Islington, 2003
Russian Rhythm, 2004 Favourable Terms), Nunthorpe Stakes (1974 Blue Cashmere,
1987 Ajdal), Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1985 Shadeed, 1987 Milligram, 1989
Zilzal), Racing Post Trophy (2000 Dilshaan), Sun Chariot Stakes (1977 Triple
First, 1990 Kartajana, 2005 Peeress), Sussex Stakes (1986 Sonic Lady, 1989
Zilzal, 1998 Aomong Men), Yorkshire Oaks (1978 Fair Salinia, 1985 Sally Brown,
1986 Untold, 1990 Hellenic, 1995 Pure Grain, 2000 Petrushka, 2002 & 2003
Islington, 2004 Quiff), Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (2010 Workforce) Major
International Wins: Canadian International Stakes (1996 Singspiel), E P
Taylor Stakes (1986 Ivor's Image), Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2004 Gamut, 2007
Mountain High, 2009 Spanish Moon), Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (1986 Sonic
Lady), Prix de l'Opera (1983 Royal Heroine, 1985 Bella Colora, 2000 Petrushka,
2003 Zee Zee Top), Prix Royal-Oak (2007 Allegretto, 2009 Ask), Bayerisches
Zuchtrennen (2000 Greek Dance, 2008 Linngari), Grosser Preis von Baden (1996
Pilsudski), Hong Kong Bowl (1994 Soviet Line), Hong Kong Vase (2000 Daliapour),
Irish Champion Stakes (1994 Cezanne, 1997 Pilsudski), Pretty Polly Stakes (2008
Promising Lead), Matron Stakes (2003 Favourable Terms, 2007 Echelon),
Tattersalls Gold Cup (1992 Opera House, 2007 Notnowcato), Oaks d'Italia (1986
Ivor's Image, 1988 Melodist), Japan Cup (1996 Singspiel, 1997 Pilsudski), Dubai
Sheema Classic (2000 Fantastic Light), Dubai World Cup (1997 Singspiel),
Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (2003 Islington), Breeders' Cup Turf (1996
Pilsudski, 2000 Kalanisi, 2008 & 2009 Conduit) Royal Ascot Wins: 68
First Royal Ascot winner: Etienne Gerard (June 15, 1977 - Jersey Stakes) Major
Royal Ascot Wins: Gold Cup (1978 Shangamuzo, 2013 Estimate), Coronation
Stakes (1986 Sonic Lady, 1987 Milligram, 1998 Exclusive, 2003 Russian Rhythm),
St James's Palace Stakes (1989 Shaadi), Prince of Wales's Stakes (1981 Hard
Fought, 1991 Stagecraft), Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1985 Dafayna), Queen Anne
Stakes (2000 Kalanisi, 2001 Medicean, 2002 No Excuse Needed), Jersey Stakes
(1977 Etienne Gerard, 1980 Hard Fought, 1989 Zilzal, 1997 Among Men, 2006
Jeremy),King Edward VII Stakes (1983 Shareef Dancer, 1991 Saddler's Hall, 1994
Foyer, 2002 Balakheri, 2006 Papal Bull; 2013 Hillstar), Hardwicke Stakes (1986
Dihistan, 1991 & 1992 Rock Hopper, 2006 & 2007 Maraahel, 2010
Harbinger, 2012 Sea Moon) Other details: Champion trainer in Britain 10
times (1981, 1986, 1989, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009) Trains
at Freemason Lodge, Newmarket Wins (1984-2012): 96; 120; 76; 105; 100;
116; 78; 81; 69; 64; 109; 72; 73; 84; 79; 81; 91; 75; 104; 115; 87; 95; 107;
113; 88; 99; 73; 53; 69 Wins in 2013: 37
Winning
Jockey:Moore, Ryan Lee Date Of Birth: September 18, 1983 Background:
Father Gary is a trainer, and brother Jamie is a successful National Hunt
jockey. Ryan initially rode over jumps as well, notching his first success on
Mersey Beat in an amateur riders' event at Towcester on May 15, 2000. Switching
to the flat, Ryan enjoyed his first success as a professional when winning
aboard Marwell's Kris for Belgian trainer E C Chopin in at Lingfield on January
16, 2002.Appointed as stable jockey to Sir Michael Stoute in December 2007. Champion
Apprentice: 2003 (59 wins) Champion Jockey: 2006 (180 wins), 2008
(186 wins), 2009 (179 wins). British Classic Wins (3): Investec Oaks
(2010 Snow Fairy), Investec Derby (2010 Workforce), QIPCO 1000 Guineas (2012
Homecoming Queen) Irish Classic Wins(1): Irish Oaks (2010 Snow Fairy) Group
One Wins: Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes (2009 Beethoven), King George VI &
Queen Elizabeth Stakes sponsored by Betfair (2009 Conduit), Investec Coronation
Cup (2009 Ask), Juddmonte International (2006 Notnowcato), Eclipse Stakes (2007
Notnowcato), Matron Stakes (2007 Echelon), Gran Criterium (2007 Scintillo),
Audi Pretty Polly Stakes (2008 Promising Lead), Breeders' Cup Turf (2008
Conduit), Audemars Piguet QE II Cup (2009 Presvis), Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud
(2009 Spanish Moon), Prix Maurice de Gheest (2009 King's Apostle), Qatar Prix
de l'Arc de Triomphe (2010 Workforce) Other Big Race Wins Include: Pride
Stakes (2008 Crystal Capella), Princess Of Wales's Stakes (2007 Papal Bull,
2009 Doctor Fremantle, 2011 Crystal Capella), Weatherbys Insurance Lonsdale Cup
(2009 Askar Tau), DFS Doncaster Cup (2009 Askar Tau), Ladbrokes.com Railway
Stakes (2010 Formosina), TNT July Stakes (2010 Libranno) First Royal Ascot
Win: Colony, King George V Stakes, June 2008 Royal Ascot Wins (21): King
George V Handicap (2008 Colony), Queen's Vase (2008 Patkai, 2012 Estimate),
Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap (2008 Sugar Ray; 2013 Opinion), Hampton Court Stakes
(2009 Glass Harmonium), Wolferton Handicap (2009 Perfect Stride), Wokingham
Handicap (2009 High Standing), Jersey Stakes (2010 Rainfall), Windsor Forest
Stakes (2010 Strawberrydaiquiri), Hardwicke Stakes (2010 Harbinger, 2011 Await
The Dawn, 2012 Sea Moon), Queen Alexandra Stakes (2010 Bergo, 2012 Simenon),
Coventry Stakes (2011 Power), Chesham Stakes (2011 Maybe), Ascot Handicap (2012
Simenon), Britannia Handicap (2012 Fast Or Free), Gold Cup (2013 Estimate);
King Edward VII Stakes (2013 Hillstar) First Goodwood win: Barbason (The
News Amateur Riders' H'cap, June 9, 2000) Goodwood winners:95 (24 at
July Meeting) Number of Wins 2000-2012: 6; 0; 39; 59; 132; 120; 182;
128; 192; 178; 138; 101; 116 Wins in 2013: 90
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