Ascot, England: James Doyle, Godolphin’s in-form jockey, rode an absolute blinder aboard Poet’s Word to wear down stable companion Crystal Ocean, the mount of William Buick, to win a thrilling renewal of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1) at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday.
The winner, who became the 13th horse with a Dubai connection to land the prestigious mid-summer British showpiece, was led into the winner’s enclosure by his proud Emirati owner, Saeed Suhail.
Poet’s Word was gifting trainer Sir Michael Stoute a record sixth King George.
Zimbabwean Stoute moved one clear of the legendary Dick Hern and Godolphin trainer Saeed Bin Surour.
The John Gosden-trained Coronet finished third under French ace Olivier Peslier.
“We just saw two great athletes and the first reaction is you’ve got to feel sorry for the one that got beaten,” said Stoute whose previous winners of the King George were Shergar (1981), Opera House (1993), Golan (2002), Conduit (2009) and Harbinger (2010).
Poet’s Word, who raced last but one of the seven runners, appeared to have a lot to do as Crystal Ocean got the first run and moved three lengths clear settling for the line, But a patient Doyle got to work on his horse who showed plenty of ability to moved into two gear and run down the leader at the business end of the 2,400m contest.
“He’s a star he so versatile,” said Doyle. “I left him a bit of a task — I didn’t want to go chasing the posse. But he’s got a lot of ability and did it nicely in the end.”
Buick was gracious in defeat and said: “It was a true test, a top class race.
“Crystal Ocean is an honest horse … he just got run down very late. {But{ the best horse won on the day.
