Trueshan lasts the distance to claim second Champions Day win

A fantastic battle up the Ascot straight saw Trueshan land the spoils over his old rival Stradivarius in the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup.

A well-fancied favourite, Trueshan showed all his usual zest in the opening stages, tanking through proceedings before Hollie Doyle chose to make their challenge around the home turn.

Frankie Dettori and Stradivarius, however, had to overcome trouble in running getting bumped about as they attempted to circle the field on the back straight.

Despite the slightly rough passage, Stradivarius was able to mount a serious challenge in the final quarter of a mile, with 50/1 outsider Tashkan also pitching in between the market principals.

But Hollie Doyle and Trueshan showed their class to repel the pair, winning eventually by a length and a half.

Winning rider Hollie Doyle said: “It’s an amazing feeling and all credit to Alan and the owners for putting me back on. The pressure was really on today to deliver given the great ride James gave him in France, so I’m glad it went well. It was a bit of a nightmare really.

He jumped nicely, I got a nice position early on and he switched off – but at halfway he came to life, put the brakes on and raced rather keenly, but that’s just the way he is.