DUKE OF EDINBURGH

STAKES HANDICAP

NO sooner had one very well-backed favourite gone in than the bookmakers sustained another solid blow to the solar plexus, David Elsworth’s 7/2 favourite Dash Of Spice coming with a perfectly-timed challenge under Silvestre de Sousa to claim the closing Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap.

Nayel, Count Calabashi and Crowned Eagle were all up there early on, with William Buick on Walton Street looking for a place on the rails. Several were still in with a chance in the straight but Dash Of Spice, despite winning well at Epsom, is still a well-handicapped horse and burst through to settle the issue with Sir Chauvelin staying on very well for second ahead of Walton Syreet.

Remarkably, it was Elsworth’s first Royal Ascot winner for 11 years.

“He’s pleased us and still seems to be ahead of the handicapper,” the shrewd old handler remarked. “It’s great for owner Jeff Smith, who’s a great supporter of the game and has 15 or 20 in training every year.

“If I’m a bit emotional it’s because I may not be around for too many more winners! This horse is in the John Smith’s and the Ebor; it would be great to win it again”.