NEW DAWN AS APPROACH ROARS BACK FROM DEFEAT

Classic winner Dawn Approach turned a nadir into triumph when rekindling the form that saw him win the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas.

 

Clinging on by a short-head from runner-up Toronado, Dawn Approach took the St James's Palace Stakes just 17 days after finishing last in the Investec Derby at Epsom. He gave jockey Kevin Manning a horrible ride that day, pulling uncontrollably, and while keen today the shorter one-mile trip played to his strengths when it mattered.

Dawn Approach is trained by his breeder, Jim Bolger, and is part-owned by him and Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation. Asked if he was surprised when Bolger announced he wanted to run the chesnut colt in today's race so soon after Epsom, Sheikh Mohammed said: "Yes, but Jim bred the horse and knows him very well, so when he said he wanted to run the owner was happy to support him. The biggest risk is not taking any risk. Today has proved to me that this horse is the best miler in the world."

Bolger said: "It's the nature of the sport to take chances and sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. Sheikh Mohammed was a very willing risk taker and I'm delighted he was."

A stewards' enquiry looked into an incident between the two- and one-furlong marker when several horses were knocked sideways, including the first two, and Bolger said: "He was fortunate to survive that, but he did and the rest is history. He's very tough and hardy. I'm very happy, and relief plays a part in it, but I knew he wouldn't let me down."

When Bolger decided to run Dawn Approach in today's race he sent Godolphin's Simon Crisford a text that said: 'Be prepared for a shock'. Bolger said: "Simon spoke to His Highness who said he would be very happy for the horse to run. Two weeks and a couple of days [since Epsom] isn't too soon for me and the horse ate up and was very happy throughout that period.

"Pat O'Donovan was very brave because he was happy to ride the horse out in a hackamore [a bitless bridle] after Epsom for nearly a week because his mouth was quite sore. That was the winning of today's race. To ride him in a hackamore was really something. I didn't get low after Epsom, but I don't get too high either - I'm in the middle. This game would tame tigers, so I would never get carried away. We'll talk about plans but I'm not making any predictions yet - everything is up for consideration."

Kevin Manning said: "He took a bit of a bite again - he was a little  bit keen with me - but I got there and, once I got my head in front, Richard was fighting me but I was always holding on. He is a real battler. I wasn't sure but I thought I had won."

FANTASTIC DAWN APPROACH

Simon Crisford, the Godolphin racing manager, reacted to Dawn Approach's gutsy win over Toronado: "It is fantastic.

"Jim (Bolger) called every shot there and got it absolutely right. It was a magnificent call on his part because it is the big race of the week.

"It was a high-risk strategy and he pulled it off. Dawn Approach has achieved a phenomenal amount as a racehorse - an unbeaten champion two-year-old, a Guineas win and success in the St James's Palace Stakes.

"He is now destined for great things ahead at stud. I hear he got a hefty bump and knew that the stewards' inquiry did not involve him.

"I am sure we will stick to this trip with Dawn Approach and we will look at the championship mile races around Europe and further afield."

Kevin Manning has ridden Dawn Approach in all his starts. The jockey said: "When I pulled him out, I have gone there with plenty of horse but received a serious knock from the inside. There was then some contact with the horse on the outside.

"I thought I had everything very much covered when I pulled him out.

"He got to the front and was not headed all the way to the line. He is a very gutsy and determined horse."

HANNON PLEASED DESPITE SECOND

Toronado had to settle for second place after Dawn Approach was announced the short-head victor in a thrilling renewal of the Group One St James's Palace Stake. This was after interference inside the last two furlongs when Glory Awaits drifted to the stands side forcing Magician, Mars, Dawn Approach and Toronado wide.

Richard Hannon, who trains the High Chaparral colt, commented afterwards: "That's racing. At least he's back! He's a very good horse.

"It was a shame really that there was that interference otherwise I think we would have got it. The winner went on to us and knocked us into the middle of the track. I don't think it was the winner's fault he got a knock and it concertinaed onto us."

Toronado is entered for the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on July 6 and the Qipco Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood July 31, as is Dawn Approach, and Hannon added all options are open.

Richard Hughes, who rode the QIPCO 2000 guineas fourth, added: "Id have won - I deliberately went round the outside so I didn't get a bump."

3:45pm St James's Palace Stakes (British Champions Series) (Group 1)

£350,000 total prize fund. For 3yo entire colts, 1m (rnd). Weights: 9st. Penalty value 1st £198,485.00 2nd £75,250.00 3rd £37,660.00 4th £18,760.00 5th £9,415.00 6th £4,725.00

1) DAWN APPROACH (IRE) (Godolphin) Jim Bolger IRE 3-9-00 Kevin Manning [5] 5/4 Fav

2) TORONADO (IRE) (HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani) Richard Hannon 3-9-00 Richard Hughes [9] 5/1

3) MARS (IRE) (Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier) Aidan O'Brien IRE 3-9-00 Ryan Moore [4] 10/1

4) MSHAWISH (USA) (HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani) Mikel Delzangles FR 3-9-00 Frankie Dettori [1]

5) GLORY AWAITS (IRE) (Ahmad Abdulla Al Shaikh & Co) Kevin Ryan b3-9-00 Jamie Spencer [6]

6) DUNDONNELL (USA) (Khalid Abdullah) Roger Charlton 3-9-00 James Doyle [3]

7) GEORGE VANCOUVER (USA) (Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith) Aidan O'Brien IRE 3-9-00 Seamie Heffernan [8]

8) LEITIR MOR (IRE) (Jackie Bolger) Jim Bolger IRE tp3-9-00 Ronan Whelan [2]

9) MAGICIAN (IRE) (Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier) Aidan O'Brien IRE 3-9-00 Joseph O'Brien [7]

9 ran

Time: 1m 39.23s           

Distances: sh, 2¾, 1¼, 1¾, ½, 3½, 2½, sh

Breeder: Jim Bolger      

Breeding: New Approach (IRE) - Hymn Of The Dawn (USA) (Phone Trick (USA)

Tote      Win £2.10          Place £1.10 £1.50 £2.60             Exacta £8.30

Winning Trainer:- Name: Bolger, Jim (James) Born: County Wexford, December 25, 1941 Based: Glebe House, Coolcullen, Co. Carlow, Ireland First Winner: Peaceful Pleasure, Roscommon, September 20, 1976 Classic Winners: Vodafone Derby (2008 New Approach), Irish Derby (1992 St. Jovite), Vodafone Oaks(1991 Jet Ski Lady);Irish Oaks (1983 Give Thanks; 2002 Margarula), English 1000 Guineas (2007 Finsceal Beo), Irish 1000 Guineas (2007 Finsceal Beo) English 2000 Guineas (2013 Dawn Approach) First Royal Ascot win: Coronation Stakes (June 15, 1983, Flame Of Tara) Royal Ascot wins (8): Coronation Stakes(1983Flame Of Tara, 2008 Lush Lashes), Queen Alexandra Stakes (1991 Easy To Please, 1993 Riszard), Albany Stakes (2008 Cuis Ghaire); Ribblesdale Stakes (2011 Banimpire), Coventry Stakes (2012 Dawn Approach), St James's Palace Stakes (2013 Dawn Approach) Other Major Wins: Emirates Airlines Champion Stakes (2008 New Approach), Anglesey Stakes (1991 St Jovite); Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup (2004 Alexander Goldrun), Craven Stakes (2005 Democratic Deficit),Criterium International (2012 Loch Garman), Dubai Dewhurst Stakes (2006 Teofilo, 2007 New Approach, 2008 Intense Focus, 2011 Parish Hall, 2012 Dawn Approach), Debutante Stakes (2006 Gaudeamus); Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial (1992 St Jovite); Futurity Stakes (1991 StJovite, 2006 Teofilo); King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes (1992 St Jovite); Meld Stakes (2006 Heliostatic); National Stakes (2006 Teofilo, 2007 New Approach); Prix de l'Opera (2004 Alexander Goldrun); Prix Marcel Boussac (2006 Finsceal Beo); Rockfel Stakes (2006 Finsceal Beo); Vodafone Nassau Stakes (1986 Park Express, 2005 Alexander Goldrun), Phoenix Stakes (2007 Saoirse Abu), Moyglare Stud Stakes (2007 Saoirse Abu), Darley Yorkshire Oaks (2008 Lush Lashes), Matron Stakes (2008 Lush Lashes), Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes (2008 New Approach) Wins in Britain (2005-2012): 2; 2; 2; 7; 1; 0; 2; 3 Wins in Britain this year: 2

Winning jockey:-Name: Manning, Kevin James Born: March 7, 1967 Based: Blackmiller Hill, Kildare, Ireland First Winner: Keynes (The Curragh, April 23, 1983) Background: Father Jim was a sales supervisor at the airport and used to take Kevin jump racing at weekends. While his brother and twin sisters did not share his passion, Kevin's parents bought him a pony and were so impressed with his natural ability in the saddle that they sent him to Jim Bolger's yard in 1982, for whom he rode his first winner, Keynes, at the Curragh in April, 1983. Twice champion apprentice in Ireland in 1984 and 1987. Succeeded Christy Roche as Bolger's number one jockey in 1993. Had to wait until 2002 until his first Classic success, when he partnered Margarula to victory in the 2002 Irish Oaks. First British winner on April 14, 2005, with Democratic Deficit in the Group Three Craven Stakes at Newmarket . Married to Jim Bolger's daughter Una and they have two children. English Classic Winners (3): 1,000 Guineas (2007 Finsceal Beo), Derby (2008 New Approach), 2,000 Guineas (2013 Dawn Approach) Other Big Race Wins: Irish Oaks (2002 Margarula); Irish 1,000 Guineas (2007 Finsceal Beo), Ballycorus Stakes (2005 Democratic Deficit), Ballysax Stakes (2006 Rhythm N' Roots), Brownstown Stakes (2004 Tropical Lady), Concorde Stakes (2002 Marionnaud), Craven Stakes (2005 Democratic Deficit), DubaiDewhurst Stakes (2006 Teofilo, 2007 New Approach, 2008 Intense Focus, 2011 Parish Hall, 2012 Dawn Approach), Debutante Stakes (2006 Gaudeamus), Emirates Airlines Champion Stakes (2008 New Aapproach), Hong Kong Cup (2004 Alexander Goldrun), Meld Stakes (2005 Tropical Lady, 2006 Heliostatic), Minstrel Stakes (2003 Avorado), Nassau Stakes (2005 Alexander Goldrun), Phoenix Stakes (1994 Eva Luna), Pretty Polly Stakes (2005 Alexander Goldrun), Prix de l'Opera (2004 Alexander Goldrun), Prix Marcel Boussac (2006 Finsceal Beo), Railway Stakes (1994 Eva Luna, 2004 Democratic Deficit), Rockfel Stakes (2006 Finsceal Beo); Round Tower Stakes (2005 Abigail Pett), Royal Whip Stakes (2005 Tropical Lady), Darley Yorkshire Oaks (2008 Lush Lashes) Royal Ascot Wins (5): Albany Stakes (2008 Cuis Ghaire), Coronation Stakes (2008 Lush Lashes), Ribblesdale Stakes (2011 Banimpire), Coventry Stakes (2012 Dawn Approach), St James's Palace Stakes (2013 Dawn Approach) First Royal Ascot Winner: Cuis Ghaire, Albany Stakes, June 20, 2008  Wins in Britain (2005-2012): 2; 2; 3; 9; 1; 0; 2; 3 Wins in Britain in 2013: 2

 

SOLE IN POWER

Ireland's Sole Power, an 8/1 chance, vanquished raiders from further afield, the 11/4 favourite Shea Shea from South Africa whom he caught close home and beat a neck, while Australia's Shamexpress (12/1) finished ninth, four and a quarter lengths adrift of the winner.

Johnny Murtagh came with a late run which was timed to perfection on Sole Power who is trained by Edward Lynam who commented: "I am very proud of Sole Power.

"If he could beat Shea Shea, he was going to win but I didn't think he could beat Shea Shea.

"Johnny Murtagh is the best trainer riding!"

Paddy Power, whose mother Sabena owns Sole Power, commented: "It's amazing and a very special day. What a ride Johnny Murtagh gave him, to win his side by as far as he did. I have to say that we did kind of fancy Sole Power but it's so special to have it actually happen.

"It's so special for Mum especially, Dad as well and the Lynams, who did such a great job getting him here in great nick. I can't tell you how good it is - it's amazing, so it is!"

Johnny Murtagh, who started combiniing training and riding earlier this year, added: "40 winners at Royal Ascot - I am really proud of it. It's brilliant meeting and, as a jockey, this is where you want to be performing - it makes the Monday to Fridays a lot easier, when you can come to a meeting like this and ride great horses for good people. I have just been one of the lucky ones.

"I get on well with this horse and I know what he likes. Eddie told me to ride him like I normally ride him - "ride him like you own him!" he said. Sole Power has a great turn of foot but he is very willing and, if he gets going too early, he runs out of steam so you have to time it to the best.

"Sole Power has had a lot of seconds but he deserved this victory - it was a top-class field. He is more relaxed than he has been before - he gives me the impression he is really enjoying his racing.

"Eddie knows how to get Sole Power spot on for these big days. There was always an excuse with his seconds last year. He has run a lot of good races but when you are a 100/1 winner of Group One you are kind of put in a pigeon hole but he showed what he can do today.

"He is not big but his heart is in the right place. He has good acceleration. These days are hard to come by as a jockey and I suppose even harder as a trainer.

"I am still enjoying what I am doing. Hopefully, I can continue on the big days - some people think you have lost the kind of edge but hopefully today showed them that I am as hungry as ever.

"I didn't see the other horse until late but I thought I hit the line well and was confident I was going to get there. I had to look over to the big screen to see I had it under control.

"I am a lot busier than I used to be with the training and the riding. I am enjoying both and they are keeping me busy and mentally sharp. I want to be riding on the big days at the Royal Ascots and big days around the world. That is what I have done throughout my career and I hope I can continue for another while.

"Eddie has stuck by me - others think I might not be at my best - but I believe I am as good as I ever was as a jockey."

Danny O'Brien, trainer of Shamexpress, said: "He was only average today. He has not been beaten out of sight - three or four lengths. He was probably a bit soft in the last 100 (metres).

"He chased Shea Shea but was just average in the last furlong. We will probably stay - we are here now and the horse seems in good order- and try him over six furlongs in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket

NO DISGRACE IN DEFEAT FOR SHEA SHEA AND PEARL

Sole Power's late blitz landed the King's Stand Stakes, but the teams behind runner-up Shea Shea and Pearl Secret had no reason to feel crestfallen.

South African challenger Shea Shea, the 11/4 favourite, was saddled by trainer Mike De Kock who felt his horse would have been helped had he been given company in the closing stages of the race - he and the winner finished on opposite sides of the track, and jockey Christophe Soumillon said: "I was on the wrong side behind the wrong horses."

           

De Kock said: "After all he's been through, there's no disgrace in being beaten. It's disappointing to be beaten, but our horse has acquitted himself well and I'm very proud of him and the team that prepared him.

"We all like to win, but we didn't and that's that."

Shea Shea is entered in Saturday's Group One Golden Jubilee Stakes, and De Kock did not rule out a challenge, saying: "We'll see how he pulls out in the morning and may take our place on Saturday, but the door's still open. Christophe said he didn't have a hard race - he hit the front and was idling, that's why I say it would have been great to have a horse take him on in front."

David Barron trains Pearl Secret for Qatar Racing, although the horse had not run since last year's Nunthorpe Stakes. Barron said: "To say I'm quite happy with him is an understatement. He's a horse who needs decent ground with a bit of give and doesn't want rattling ground. The two races we could have gone for before this race at Sandown and Haydock were not suitable because of the ground. He doesn't need soft ground, just a bit of ease.

"He looked good last year [when winning four races], but he wasn't taking on the class of horses he was taking on here. To have run as well as he has is very pleasing, and he's done well physically, so I hope he keeps going that way. He'll be unlucky not to win one of these.

"He's entered in the Golden Jubilee, but personally I wouldn't be in favour - he's just had his first run of the season and he didn't have an easy race. The decision will be left to Sheikh Fahad. The horse is in all the Group One sprints over five and six furlongs."

3.05pm King's Stand Stakes (British Champions Series & Global Sprint Challenge) (Group 1)

£350,000 total prize fund. For 3yo+, 5f. Weights: 3yo colts and geldings 8st 12lb; fillies 8st 9lb; 4yo+ colts and geldings 9st 4lb; fillies 9st 1lb. Penalty value 1st £198,485.00 2nd £75,250.00 3rd £37,660.00 4th £18,760.00 5th £9,415.00 6th £4,725.00.

1) SOLE POWER (Sabena Power) Edward Lynam IRE 6-9-04 Johnny Murtagh [14] 8/1

2) SHEA SHEA (SAF) (Mssrs Brian Joffee & Myron Berzack) Mike De Kock SAF 6-9-04 Christophe Soumillon [5] 11/4 Fav

3) PEARL SECRET (Qatar Racing Limited) David Barron 4-9-04 Jamie Spencer [10] 10/1

4) JACK DEXTER (Johnnie Delta Racing) Jim Goldie 4-9-04 Graham Lee [6]

5) RECKLESS ABANDON (Julie Deadman & Stephen Barrow) Clive Cox 3-8-12 Adam Kirby [13]

6) HEERAAT (IRE) (Hamdan Al Maktoum) William Haggas 4-9-04 Paul Hanagan [15]

7) MOVE IN TIME (A Turton, J Blackburn, R Bond) David O'Meara 5-9-04 Daniel Tudhope [4]

8) SWISS SPIRIT (Lordship Stud) John Gosden 4-9-04 William Buick [17]

9) SHAMEXPRESS (NZ) (J Dimery, A Smith et al) Danny O'Brien AUS t4-9-04 Craig Newitt [3]

10) BUNGLE INTHEJUNGLE (Christopher Wright & Emily Asprey) Mick Channon 3-8-12 Martin Harley [8]

11) MEDICEAN MAN (Stuart Dobb & Kate Dobb) Jeremy Gask p7-9-04 Steve Drowne [9]

12) STEPPER POINT (Clive Edginton) William Muir 4-9-04 Martin Dwyer [11]

13) HOYAM (Ahmad Abdulla Al Shaikh) Michael Bell 3-8-09 Harry Bentley [16]

14) DOC HAY (USA) (S Laffan) David O'Meara 6-9-04 Kieren Fallon [18]

15) PROHIBIT (Dasmal, Rix, Barr, Morley, Mrs Penney) Robert Cowell p8-9-04 Jim Crowley [2]

16) KINGSGATE NATIVE (IRE) (Cheveley Park Stud) Robert Cowell 8-9-4 Shane Kelly [7]

17) ANGELS WILL FALL (IRE) (Mrs E O'Leary) Charlie Hills 4-9-01 James McDonald [1]

18) SPIRIT QUARTZ (IRE) (Qatar Racing Limited) Robert Cowell p5-9-04 Joseph O'Brien [19]

19) BALLESTEROS (Poilin Good) Brian Meehan h4-9-04 Tom Queally [12]

19 ran

Time: 58.88s                

Distances: nk, 1¼, nk, ½, 1, nk, ¾, hd, nk, nk, ¾, hd, ½, ½, sh, 1½, sh, 6

Breeder: G Russell       

Breeding: Kyllachy  - Demerger (USA) (Distant View (USA))

Tote      Win £10.30        Place £3.20 £1.30 £3.30             Exacta £36.70

Winning trainer: Lynam, Edward Born:  April 14, 1962 Based: Summerseat Stables, Clonee, Co Meath  Background: took out a licence to train in February, 1984, having previously split his time running a building firm and learning how to train racehorses under the watchful eye of Jim Bolger. Big Race Wins: DFS Park Stakes (2008 Duff); EBF Land O'Burns Fillies' Stakes (2006 Free Roses); Ladbrokes.com International Stakes (2004 Red Feather), Coolmore Stud Home Of Champions Concorde Stakes (2009 Duff), betfred.com Temple Stakes (2011 Sole Power) First Group One Winner: Sole Power, Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes, York, August 20, 2010 Royal Ascot Wins (1): King's Stand Stakes (2013 Sole Power) Wins In Britain (2007-2012): 1; 2; 1; 1; 1; 1 Wins in Britain This Year: 2

Winning jockey:-Name: Murtagh, John Patrick Born: May 14, 1970 Background: Attended the Apprentice Jockeys School at Kildare while serving as an apprentice for John Oxx, with whom he stayed with until 2004. Apprentice champion in 1989, winning the senior version in 1995 and 1998, despite lingering weight problems. Used regularly by Sir Michael Stoute in 2000 when Kieren Fallon was injured, and won 12 Group One contests in that season alone. Spent some of 2006 riding over hurdles, but returned to flat racing later that year, and spent 2007 as Ballydoyle's main jockey in Britain, following the suspension of Kieren Fallon on suspicion of race-fixing, before being given the job full-time because of Fallon's 18 month ban for failing a drugs test. Split from Ballydoyle in November, 2010, to become retained jockey for the Aga Khan in Ireland. First Winner: Chicago Style, Limerick, July 6, 1987 British Classic Wins (5): Investec Derby (2000 Sinndar, 2002 High Chaparral, 2005 Motivator), 2000 Guineas (2002 Rock Of Gibraltar, 2008 Henrythenavigator) Irish Classic Wins (13): Irish 1,000 Guineas (2009 Again), Irish 2,000 Guineas (2001 Black Minnaloushe, 2008 Henrythenavigator, 2009 Mastercraftsman), Irish Derby (2000 Sinndar, 2003 Alamshar, 2009 Fame And Glory, 2010 Cape Blanco), Irish Oaks (1997 Ebadiyla, 1998 Winona, 2000 Petrushka, 2007 Peeping Fawn, 2008 Moonstone) Other Major Wins: Irish Champion Stakes (1996 Timarida), Matron Stakes (1995 Timarida, 2004 Soviet Song, 2010 Lillie Langtry), Moyglare Stud Stakes (1998 Edabiya), National Stakes (1993 Manntari, 1999 Sinndar, 2008 Mastercraftsman), Phoenix Stakes (2008 Mastercraftsman, 2009 Alfred Nobel, 2010 Zoffany), Pretty Polly Stakes (1993 Takarouna), Tattersalls Gold Cup (2007 Notnowcato, 2008 Duke Of Marmalade, 2010 Fame And Glory), Champion Stakes (2000 Kalanisi), Coronation Cup (2008 Soldier Of Fortune, 2010 Fame And Glory), Coral-Eclipse (2008 Mount Nelson), Falmouth Stakes (2004 & 2005 Soviet Song, 2007 Simply Perfect), Fillies' Mile (2007 Listen), Juddmonte International (2008 Duke Of Marmalade, 2010 Rip Van Winkle), July Cup (2004 Frizzante, 2010 Starspangledbanner), King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2003 Alamshar, 2007 Dylan Thomas, 2008 Duke Of Marmalade), Middle Park Stakes (2008 Bushranger), Nassau Stakes (2007 Peeping Fawn, 2008 Halfway To Heaven), Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (2009 Rip Van Winkle), Racing Post Trophy (2000 Dilshaan, 2009 St Nicholas Abbey), Sussex Stakes (2004 Soviet Song, 2008 Henrythenavigator, 2009 Rip Van Winkle), Yorkshire Oaks (1996 Key Change, 2000 Petrushka, 2007 Peeping Fawn), Criterium de Saint-Cloud (2008 Fame And Glory), Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp (2000 Namid, 2009 Total Gallery), Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (2000 Sinndar), Prix du Cadran (2002 Give Notice), Prix Ganay (2008 Duke Of Marmalade), Prix Morny (2008 Bushranger), Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (1995 Ridgewood Pearl), Prix de l'Opera (1995 Timarida, 2000 Petrushka), Prix Royal-Oak (2008 Yeats), Prix Vermeille (2007 Mrs Lindsay), Total Prix Marcel Boussac (2010 Misty For Me), Breeders' Cup Mile (1995 Ridgewood Pearl), Breeders' Cup Turf (2000 Kalanisi), Bayerisches Zuchtrennen (1996 Timarida, 2000 Greek Dance), Hong Kong Vase (2000 Daliapour), E P Taylor (2001 Choc Ice, 2007 Mrs Lindsay), Jaguar Cars Cheveley Park Stakes (2011 Lightening Pearl, 2012 Rosdhu Queen),QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes (2011 Deacon Blues), QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (2011 Dancing Rain) Royal Ascot Wins (40): Coronation Stakes (1995 Ridgewood Pearl, 2010 Lillie Langtry); Gold Cup (1999 Enzeli, 2001 Royal Rebel, 2002, Royal Rebel, 2008 & 2009 Yeats), St James's Palace Stakes (2001 Black Minnaloushe, 2008 Henrythenavigator, 2009 Mastercraftsman), Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (2000, Katiykha), Ascot Handicap Stakes (2000 Barba Papa), Golden Jubilee (2000 Superior Premium, 2003 Choisir, 2007 Soldier's Tale, 2010 Starspangledbanner), King George V Handicap (2001 Beekeeper), Ribblesdale Stakes (2001 Sahara Slew), Wokingham Handicap (2001 Nice One Clare, 2010 Laddies Poker Two, 2011 Deacon Blues), Queen Anne Stakes (2002 No Excuse Needed, 2008 Haradasun), King Edward VII Stakes (2002 Balakheri, 2012 Thomas Chippendale), Windsor Castle Stakes (2002 Revenue, 2011 Frederick Engels), King's Stand Stakes (2003 Choisir, 2013 Sole Power), Hampton Court Stakes (2003 Persian Majesty), Jersey Stakes (2005 Proclamation), Queen Alexandra Stakes (2005 Cruzspiel, 2008 Honolulu), Queen Mary Stakes (2007 Elletelle), Britannia Handicap (2007 Eddie Jock), Prince Of Wales's Stakes (2008 Duke Of Marmalade), Hardwicke Stakes (2008 Macarthur), Windsor Forest Stakes (2009 Spacious), Queen's Vase (2010 Mikhael Glinka) Leading Rider at Royal Ascot: 2001 (5 wins); 2002 (4 wins), 2008 (6 wins)) Wins in Britain 1999-2012: 9; 17; 10; 15; 12; 77; 48; 0; 21; 28; 15; 13; 11; 12 Wins in Britain in 2013: 2

WAR WINS THE BATTLE FOR QUEEN ANNE STAKES

Declaration Of War gained his first Group One win when landing today's Queen Anne Stakes for trainer Aidan O'Brien and his jockey son Joseph.

The victory was also a stunning triumph for part-owner Joseph Allen, who bred Declaration Of War and now owns 40% of him in a Coolmore partnership involving Messrs Magnier, Tabor and Smith.

Allen said: "I'm in bliss! It's my first win at Ascot, it's a wonderful day, my wife's here and I could not be happier. And I have great partners.

"I bred the sire of this horse, War Front, and I still have this colt's dam, Tempo West, who has a filly foal full-sister to this horse at foot. She is now back in front to War Front.

"This is a very difficult game to really sustain yourself. As I was once told, to stay ahead you need great partners, and these guys [Magnier, Tabor and Smith] have been in the game a long time and add so much to it. I think this horse now has a great future at stud, but where he stands I will leave to John Magnier, who knows so much more than I do."

Declaration Of War was only fifth on his most recent outing in the Group One Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last month, but Aidan O'Brien said: "We always thought the world of this horse. He had a very easy run the first time [this season] at Leopardstown and we thought he was ready for a Group One, but obviously he wasn't. I hadn't trained him hard enough for it. He is a big powerhouse capable of taking training and I didn't get that right.

"Joseph found out in the Lockinge he had a lot of speed, and we rode him that way today."

Asked if the winner might take in the Coral -Eclipse Stakes next over ten furlongs, O'Brien said: "No, I would rather see him go back in trip, rather than up in trip. He travelled very strongly today."

Joseph O'Brien added: "I was going very well and I went into the gap - it got a little bit tight but I was going exceptionally well. He quickened up and idled when he got there.

           

"We thought that he was a very good horse going into Newbury, when we were a little bit disappointed, but we had a few things and Dean, who rides him out, and all of the lads in the yard have done a great job.

"I have a few nice rides for the week and it's nice to start off on a good foot."

ANIMAL KINGDOM DISAPPOINTS

Graham Motion, trainer of the 5/4 favourite Animal Kingdom who finished 11th of the 13 runners, said: "I am disappointed obviously.

"Johnny (Velazquez) had to fight him a little bit early, which made me worry, and said at the half-mile pole he started to ask him to run and there wasn't much there. He said it rode a bit softer than it walked but I cannot really use that as an excuse.

"I would say that is probably it for the horse (last run). I think the experience has been tremendous and if I ever had the opportunity to do it again then I would absolutely.

"Animal Kingdom trained great - I was really happy with him. This is what I always cautioned. It is so different - the fact that he was keen early and he did not really have any cover. He is used to being tucked in and when you are out in the open like that, it is a different ball-game.

"I think the draw (13) made it very awkward for him to be honest. I didn't anticipate it would be but I think in hindsight it was.

"I am sorry it did not work out - it is disappointing for everyone. There was such a good reception for him. It would have been great to see him do his stuff but he clearly didn't today.

"I always had reservations about what we were dealing with - it became a very awkward post (draw) and Johnny had difficulty getting him to settle early. I think that it is probably what hurt Animal Kingdom the most. If he had been drawn in the middle it would have been easier.

"I don't want to offer too many excuses. I am sorry it has ended this way - we are deflated. A lot of effort has gone into this - David Lanigan and his crew and our crew - it has been a lot of work - that's racing.

"Everyone was predicting him to win but they have to run the race."

John Velazquez added: "He was keen and just didn't relax. When I let him down, he gave me no run at all.

"He just didn't have it at all today."

2.30pm Queen Anne Stakes (British Champions Series) (Group 1)

£350,000 total prize fund. For 4yo+, 1m (str). Weights: colts and geldings 9st; fillies 8st 11lb. Southern hemisphere allowance: 4yo 1lb. Penalty value 1st £198,485.00 2nd £75,250.00 3rd £37,660.00 4th £18,760.00 5th £9,415.00 6th £4,725.00

1) DECLARATION OF WAR (USA) (Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Joseph Allen) Aidan O'Brien IRE 4-9-00 Joseph O'Brien [6] 15/2

2) ALJAMAAHEER (IRE) (Hamdan Al Maktoum) Roger Varian 4-9-00 Paul Hanagan [7] 8/1

3) GREGORIAN (IRE) (HRH Princess Haya Of Jordan) John Gosden 4-9-00 Tom Queally [1] 16/1

4) ELUSIVE KATE (USA) (Teruya Yoshida) John Gosden 4-8-11 William Buick [3]

5) TRADE STORM (Qatar Racing Limited) David Simcock 5-9-00 Jamie Spencer [12]

6) LIBRANNO (McDowell Racing) Richard Hannon 5-9-00 Pat Cosgrave [4]

7) CHIL THE KITE (Hazel Lawrence & Graham Doyle) Hughie Morrison p4-9-00 Ryan Moore [5]

8) PENITENT (Middleham Park Racing XVII) David O'Meara 7-9-00 Daniel Tudhope [2]

9) SOVEREIGN DEBT (IRE) (Lawrie Inman) Michael Bell 4-9-00 Adam Kirby [10]

10) TRUMPET MAJOR (IRE) (John Manley) Richard Hannon 4-9-00 Richard Hughes [9]

11) ANIMAL KINGDOM (USA) (Arrowfield, Sheikh Mohammed and Team Valor International) Graham Motion USA bt5-9-00 John Velazquez [13] 5/4 Fav

12) MONSIEUR CHEVALIER (IRE) (Racing To The Max) PJ O'Gorman b6-9-0 Darryll Holland [11]

13) GABRIAL (IRE) (Dr Marwan Koukash) Richard Fahey p4-9-00 Kieren Fallon [8]

13 ran

Time: 1m 38.48s                       

Distances: ¾, ½, 2, hd, 1¼, hd, hd, 1½, 2¾, 2, nse, 9

Breeder: Joseph Allen   Breeding: War Front (USA) - Tempo West (USA) (Rahy (USA))

Tote      Win £9.70          Place £2.90 £2.80 £3.10 Exacta £65.10

Winning Jockey:-Name: O'Brien, Joseph Born: May 23, 1993 Based: c/o Aidan O'Brien, Ballydoyle Stables, Cashel, Co Tipperary, Ireland Background: Son of champion trainers Aidan and Annemarie O'Brien. Won bronze individual eventing medal at the European Pony Championships in Belgium in August, 2009.Tied for the 2010 Irish Apprentice Title with Gary Carroll  Gary Carroll and Ben Curtis. British Classic Wins (2): QIPCO 2000 Guineas (2012 Camelot), Investec Derby (2012 Camelot) Irish Classic Wins (4): Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas (2011 Roderic O'Connor, 2012 Power, 2013 Magician), Irish Derby (2012 Camelot) First Ride: Coat Of Arms (12th), Boylemobile.com Handicap, the Curragh, May 24, 2009 Royal Ascot Wins (2): Prince Of Wales's Stakes (2012 So You Think), Queen Anne Stakes (2013 Declaration Of War) Other big race wins include: Dubai Sheema Classic (2013 St Nicholas Abbey), Moyglare Stud Stakes (2011 Maybe), Weatherbys Insurance £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes (2011 Reply), Racing Post Trophy (2011 Camelot), Breeders' Cup Turf (2011 St Nicholas Abbey), Tattersalls Gold Cup (2012 So You Think), Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup (2012 & 2013 St Nicholas Abbey) Wins in Britain (2009-2012): 0; 1; 2; 14  Wins in 2013 in Britain: 3

Winning trainer:-Name: Aidan O'Brien Date of birth: 16/10/69 Previous occupation: Assistant trainer to Jim Bolger and Annemarie Crowley/O'Brien Date of first licence: 1993 British Classic wins: (18) Investec Derby (2001 Galileo, 2002 High Chaparral, 2012 Camelot), QIPCO 2000 Guineas (1998 King Of Kings, 2002 Rock Of Gibraltar, 2005 Footstepsinthesand, 2006 George Washington, 2008 Henrythenavigator, 2012 Camelot), QIPCO 1000 Guineas (2005 Virginia Waters, 2012 Homecoming Queen), Investec Oaks (1998 Shahtoush, 2001 Imagine, 2006 Alexandrova, 2012 Was), Ladbrokes St Leger (2001 Milan, 2003 Brian Boru, 2005 Scorpion) Irish Classic Wins: (28) Irish 2,000 Guineas (1997 Desert King, 1999 Saffron Walden, 2001 Black Minnaloushe, 2002 Rock Of Gibraltar, 2008 Henrythenavigator, 2009 Mastercraftsman, 2011 Roderic O'Connor, 2012 Power, 2013 Magician), Irish 1,000 Guineas (1997 Classic Park, 2001 Imagine, 2003 Yesterday, 2008 Halfway To Heaven, 2011 Misty For Me), Irish Derby (1997 Desert King, 2001 Galileo, 2002 High Chaparral, 2006 Dylan Thomas, 2007 Soldier Of Fortune, 2008 Frozen Fire, 2009 Fame And Glory, 2010 Cape Blanco, 2011 Treasure Beach), Irish Oaks (2006 Alexandrova, 2007 Peeping Fawn, 2008 Moonstone), Irish St Leger (2007 Yeats, 2008 Septimus) Other major wins include: Breeders Cup Turf (2002 & 2003 High Chaparral, 2011 St Nicholas Abbey) Criterium de Saint-Cloud (2001 Ballingary, 2002 Alberto Giacometti, 2008 Fame And Glory, 2010 Recital), Darley Dewhurst Stakes (2001 Rock Of Gibraltar, 2009 Beethoven), Coral-Eclipse Stakes (2000 Giant's Causeway, 2002 Hawk Wing, 2008 Mount Nelson, 2011 So You Think), Dubai Sheema Classic (2013 St Nicholas Abbey), French 2,000 Guineas (2002 Landseer, 2006 Aussie Rules, 2007 Astronomer Royal), French 1,000 Guineas (2001 Rose Gypsy), Futurity Stakes (2002 Van Nistelrooy), Irish Champion Stakes (2000 Giant's Causeway, 2003 High Chaparral, 2007 Dylan Thomas, 2010 Cape Blanco, 2011 So You Think), Juddmonte International Stakes (2000 Giant's Causeway, 2008 Duke Of Marmalade, 2010 Rip Van Winkle), Lockinge Stakes (2003 Hawk Wing), July Cup (1999 Stravinsky, 2001 Mozart), King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2001 Galileo, 2007 Dylan Thomas, 2008 Duke Of Marmalade), Middle Park Stakes (2000 Minardi, 2001 Johannesburg, 2011 Crusade), National Stakes (1996 Desert King, 1997 King Of Kings, 2000 Beckett, 2001 Hawk Wing; 2003 One Cool Cat, 2005 George Washington, 2008 Mastercraftsman), Nunthorpe Stakes (1999 Stravinsky, 2001 Mozart), Phoenix Stakes (1998 Lavery, 1999 Fasiliyev, 2000 Minardi, 2001 Johannesburg, 2002 Spartacus, 2003 One Cool Cat, 2005 George Washington, 2006 Holy Roman Emperor, 2008 Mastercraftsman), Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere/Grand Criterium (1997 Second Empire, 1999 Ciro, 2001 Rock Of Gibraltar, 2002 Hold That Tiger, 2004 Oratorio, 2005 Horatio Nelson, 2006 Holy Roman Emperor),Total Prix Marcel Boussac (2010 Misty For Me), Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (2006 George Washington, 2009 Rip Van Winkle, 2012 Excelebration), Racing Post Trophy (1997 Saratoga Springs, 1999 Aristotle, 2001 High Chaparral, 2002 Brian Boru), Sussex Stakes (2000 Giant's Causeway, 2002 Rock Of Gibraltar, 2008 Henrythenavigator, 2009 Rip Van Winkle), Yorkshire Oaks (2006 Alexandrova, 2007 Peeping Fawn), Blue Square Nassau Stakes (2007 Peeping Fawn, 2008 Halfway To Heaven), Audi Pretty Polly Stakes (2007 Peeping Fawn, 2011 Misty For Me), Investec Coronation Cup (2005 Yeats, 2007 Scorpion, 2008 Soldier Of Fortune, 2010 Fame And Glory, 2011, 2012 & 2013 St Nicholas Abbey), Moyglare Stud Stakes (2000 Sequoyah, 2001 Quarter Moon, 2003 Necklace, 2005 Rumplestiltskin, 2010 Misty for Me, 2011 Maybe), Matron Stakes (2010 Lillie Langtry), QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup (2011 Fame And Glory) UAE Derby (2012 Daddy Long Legs, 2013 Lines Of Battle) Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf (2011 Wrote, 2012 George Vancouver) Royal Ascot wins (38): Coventry Stakes (1997 Harbour Master, 1999 Fasliyev, 2001 Landseer, 2002 Statue Of Liberty, 2007 Henrythenavigator, 2011 Power), Chesham Stakes (1999 Bach, 2011 Maybe), St James's Palace Stakes (2000 Giant's Causeway, 2001 Black Minnaloushe, 2002 Rock Of Gibraltar, 2007 Excellent Art, 2008 Henrythenavigator, 2009 Mastercraftsman), Norfolk Stakes (2001 Johannesburg), Jersey Stakes (2001 Mozart, 2012 Ishvana), Coronation Stakes (2002 Sophisticat, 2010 Lillie Langtry), Hampton Court Stakes (2004 Moscow Ballet, 2005 Indigo Cat), King Edward VII Stakes (2004 Five Dynasties), Queen Anne Stakes (2006 Ad Valorem, 2008 Haradasun, 2013 Declaration Of War), Gold Cup (2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009 Yeats, 2011 Fame And Glory), Queen's Vase (2007 Mahler, 2010 Mikhail Glinka) Prince Of Wales's Stakes (2008 Duke Of Marmalade, 2012 So You Think), Hardwicke Stakes (2008 Macarthur, 2011 Await The Dawn), Queen Alexandra Stakes (2008 Honolulu), Golden Jubilee Stakes (2010 Starspangledbanner Wins in Britain 2000-2012: 11; 20*; 10*; 6; 4; 20; 11; 18*; 20*; 12; 7; 16; 13 *champion trainer for win and place prize money; Wins in 2013 in Britain: 6

TRADE STRONG, REPORT BOOKMAKERS ON DAY ONE

Animal Kingdom may be the big-name horse with a CV to envy on the opening day of Royal Ascot, but Pricewise of the Racing Post has caused a 'Storm' in the betting ring.

The industry's most-talked-about tipster sided with Trade Storm against Animal Kingdom for today's Queen Anne Stakes (2.30), and inevitably that has led to a shortening in his price.

'The best-backed horse today,' was the view of Tote representative Andrew Griffiths, who said Trade Storm had been cut to 10/1 from 14/1. Yet the same firm's offer of 'double the SP if Animal Kingdom wins by more than two lengths' means the American challenger is not friendless with his firm.

Trade Storm's odds have shortened to 12/1 from 14/1 with Paddy Power and to 11/1 from 14/1 with Ladbrokes, while Barry Orr of Betfair reported weakness in interest for Animal Kingdom, who is now 11/10 from 4/5. The same firm has also found little support for Dawn Approach - now 7/4 from 6/4 - for the St James's Palace Stakes (3.45), although neither view is shared by Coral.

Its representative, Simon Clare, said the raider from across the Atlantic had been 'heavily supported in shops' this morning, forcing his price down to evens from 5/4, while interest in Dawn Approach had seen his odds shaved from 7/4 to 6/4.

Coral has also trimmed Reckless Abandon for the King's Stand Stakes (3.05) - he is now 11/2 from 13/2 - and been forced to tickle up Midnight Oil in the Ascot Stakes (5.00). His stablemate, Simenon, won the race last year, and punters appear to reckon trainer Willie Mullins will make it an across-the-year double.

Other King's Stand Stakes interest has focused on Shamexpress and Medicean Man, claims Ladbrokes. The former is now 8/1 from 10/1 while the latter is 20/1 from 25/1.

Movers with Paddy Power include Magician (3.45), into 9/4 from 5/2, and Sir John Hawkins (4.25), whose odds of 6/1 had been cut a point to 5/1. The same firm and Ladbrokes have been forced to duck under the weight of interest for Big Easy (5.00), cutting him to 10/1 from 12/1 and 14/1 respectively.

Ladbrokes' biggest mover of the day, however, is for a horse that has yet to win a race. My Catch, who lines up in the closing Windsor Castle Stakes (5.30), has been a popular choice with newspaper tipsters and punters, forcing his price in to 12/1 from 20/1.

UPDATED NON-RUNNERS AT 1.00PM

4.25pm COVENTRY STAKES    

1 BAHAMIAN HEIGHTS (Self Certificate, Colic)

5.00pm ASCOT HANDICAP        

8 JUNIOR (Vet's Certificate, Bad Scope)

5.35pm WINDSOR CASTLE STAKES  

8 FINE 'N DANDY (IRE) (Vet's Certificate, Colic)

14 MR DANDY MAN (IRE) (Self Certificate, Knocked Joint)

23 TREADSTONE (Self Certificate, Temperature)

27 KODAFINE (IRE) (Self Certificate, Stiff)

PRESS ENTER STALLS ON DAY ONE

Royal Ascot's opening-day card comprising three Group One races may be the connoisseurs' choice, but in terms of newspaper coverage it is the least colourful.

Papers published on Wednesday to Saturday will brim with spreads devoted to fashion - good, garish and ghastly - while diary writers will wickedly reveal secrets from the who's who they find at lunch parties around the racecourse. And there will be racecourse action to report on, illustrated by photographs from the previous day.

Today's papers can only tee up the meeting, a task attacked with relish by the Racing Post, which invariably dedicates its front page to a montage of scenes on big occasions. Its graphics team have been given full rein today, overlaying racehorses and racegoers over a photo of Ascot's paddock and accompanied by the headline 'Kingdom of heaven', a reference to the appearance today of US star Animal Kingdom.

Not that all the Racing Post's tipsters believe he will be king, for Pricewise (Tom Segal) and Gerald Delamere reckon Trade Storm is 'cracking value to maul Animal'. The Sun's racing pullout sides with Elusive Kate - headline 'Kate expectations'.

The Daily Express's computerman (Stuart Brodkin) favours the American raider, as does Jamie Spencer, the jockey whose column appears in the Daily Star, while The Daily Telegraph's Hotspur and Marlborough are also fans. In focusing on the St James's Palace Stakes the same paper's J A McGrath says trainer Jim Bolger 'is about to take one of the biggest racing gambles of modern times'. That refers to Dawn Approach's appearance, 17 days after finishing last in the Investec Derby.

Marcus Townend of the Daily Mail and Newsboy of the Daily Mirror are not expecting a return to winning ways for the colt, however. They side with Toronado, who has a bit to prove, but whose breathing should be helped with a spoon-shaped bit. Chris McGrath, writing in The Independent, opts for Mars.

Any win for Lady Jane Cecil - following the death last week of her husband Sir Henry - will make headlines this week, and several scribes reckon Tiger Cliff will provide it in today's Ascot Handicap. Townend reckons a victory for the horse will be 'the defining moment of Royal Ascot 2013'.

The Guardian's Greg Wood alights on another key element of the week - terrestrial TV coverage on Channel 4, which takes over from the BBC. Wood's amusing appraisal of the swap includes a reminder that all this week's Royal races will be shown live by the broadcaster, and not lopped off after the fourth, as was the BBC's wont. 'Even Countdown has made way for the racing', writes Wood. 'It must be serious'.

While many local papers' sports pages are currently carrying close-season football stories, the Ascot News majors on the Bracknell Bees Ice Hockey team, although racing also gets its share of coverage. 'Ready for the influx of 300,000 race fans' is the paper's front-page headline above an article which gauges the Royal meeting's influence on local people and businesses.

The paper quotes Andrew King, 18, who says: "I don't tend to join in with the racegoing, but go to the pub and watch people in silly hats. It's an amusing spectacle."

Horses for courses, maybe, but Royal Ascot 2013 has two stars fewer than the 2012 version, which boasted Frankel to start the meeting, and Black Caviar to end it. This is picked up by The Times' Alan Lee, who is reminded of 1960s music promoters who could open a show with the Beatles and close it with the Rolling Stones. Comparing Royal Ascots of last year and this, Lee writes: "The storylines of 2013 are not so dazzlingly obvious but, as ever with this extravaganza, they will unfold with colour and drama'. Too true.

A MINUTE'S SILENCE IN MEMORY OF SIR HENRY CECIL - Tuesday

There will be a minute's silence at the racecourse this afternoon in memory of Sir Henry Cecil. This will be held following the arrival of the Royal Procession in the Parade Ring before the first race.

The 2013 Queen's Vase, run on Friday, June 21, has been renamed in honour of the late trainer who sent out 75 winners at Royal Ascot. It will be called 'The Queen's Vase In Memory of Sir Henry Cecil'.

Jointly with the King Edward VII Stakes, the Queen's Vase was the race in which Sir Henry had the most success with eight winners. He also holds the outright record in that race, with no other trainer having matched that tally.

Along with the Gold Cup and the Royal Hunt Cup, the Queen's Vase is one of three races at Royal Ascot for which The Queen donates her own trophy.

The jockeys riding in The Queen's Vase In Memory of Sir Henry Cecil will wear black armbands for that race.

"Sir Henry was an intrinsic part of Royal Ascot with 75 winners over more than four decades,' said Johnny Weatherby, Her Majesty's Representative at Ascot.

"It is no secret that Royal Ascot was his favourite meeting of the year and we felt it was fitting to honour his achievements here, and remember the passing of one the greatest figures that the world of sport has ever seen.

"Our thoughts are with Sir Henry's family and I am delighted that Lady Jane will be accompanying the Countess of Wessex for the trophy presentation following the Queen's Vase."

Lady Jane Cecil, who has taken over the training licence, will have runners at Royal Ascot this week, including Tiger Cliff in the Ascot Handicap (5pm) today.