Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes

OKITA Soushi gave trainer Joseph O’Brien a second Royal Ascot winner when sweeping through on the outside under Ryan Moore to win the Duke of Edinburgh handicap at an SP of 9/1.

Third in last year’s Copper Horse Handicap, Okita Soushi was held up off the strong pace set by Live Your Dream, and Moore bided his time as others set off in pursuit of the leader, only to deliver him with split-second precision to get up by a neck from HMS President (Alan King/Rossa Ryan), with Live Your Dream (Saeed bin Suroor) pluckily holding on for third, having kicked on very early.

“He ran a great race here last year,” said the winning trainer. “And it is special to get a winner this week. I am delighted for everyone, all the owners and the team at home. We have had a frustrating week; we have hit the crossbar a few times, but it is great to get a winner now.

“He is always slow early. Ryan was happy to take his time and come with one run late. And if we got the right set-up, we knew we’d have a chance to win, but we were a little hostage to how it set up. It is nice that it set up right.”

“He is the best jockey in the world, so when we are lucky enough to get him the odd time, it is very special. He has been riding at the top of his game for a number of years now, and he has had a wonderful week.

“He is a special jockey. It is great to have him. I am not sure he has ridden a winner for me before [this was indeed the first], so I’m delighted.”

Asked about his brother’s win in the opening race, he added: “I am super-proud. Donnacha is doing a fantastic job. His two-year-olds have been on fire and he deserved an Ascot winner. I am delighted for the owners and Mum bred the filly – it is a special day.”