Acklam Express is now expected to sit out York's John Smith's Cup meeting on July 9, as he bids for Goodwood glory on the Sussex Downs, a track he won at in July 2020. The Mehmas gelding was sent off at 200/1 for the King's Stand Stakes, but stunned everyone by coming in third only a head behind runner-up Twilight Calls. "He's absolutely fine, he had a little break after Ascot and is now back cantering away," said Malton-based trainer Nick Tinkler.
Frankie Dettori and John Gosden, one of the most successful jockey-trainer combinations of the past eight years, have decided to “take a sabbatical” following talks on Friday night.
Ryan Moore threaded the eye of the needle as he helped Rohaan to the six-furlong Royal Ascot cavalry charge. The four-year-old, trained by David Evans, saved his best for last as Moore bided his time before knifing through a gap near the stands side. The jockey manoeuvred his way between Popmaster and Mr Wagyu to win by three-quarters of a length.
The Charlie Appleby-trained horse avenged his heart-breaking defeat in style as he powered up the stands rail to claim the Platinum Jubilee Stakes. The 33/1 shot and his stable rival were separated by the width of the Ascot track as James Doyle's mount - who lost his off-hind shoe - got the better of the William Buick-ridden Creative Force by a neck. Australian raider Home Affairs might have been sent off as the favourite, but he run his race by the furlong pole, and the Godolphin duo were followed over the finishing line by a blanket of horses.