Victory for German superstar Danedream

Danedream (nearside) just gets up to beat Nathaniel in this afternoon’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes Sponsored by Betfair at Ascot. Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

Anyone who doubted the validity of Danedream’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe victory in Paris last October after a couple of lesser performances from the German-trained filly this season must think again.

Her last gasp triumph against a top class field in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot this afternoon confirmed her superstar status and there is no question that this was the best middle distance performance of the year so far against one of the strongest King George line-ups for many years.

When Nathaniel took it up over a furlong from home, the prospect of a second Group 1 QIPCO British Champions Series win in just two weeks (he won the Coral-Eclipse on 7 July), as well as a second successive Betfair King George triumph, was very much on the cards.

Danedream had always been travelling well in behind the leaders, however, and when asked to make her challenge she battled tenaciously inside the final furlong under regular partner Andrasch Starke to nail Nathaniel right on the line, winning by the minimum margin of a nose.

Nathaniel lost nothing in defeat, while St Nicholas Abbey, who was held up in last place for most of the race, was a length and a half back in a never nearer third, just ahead of Reliable Man and Sea Moon.

The winning rider said: "It was close – it was very tight – but I had a good feeling.

"It was exciting to come to race like this, and everything was in good shape.

"She fought hard and it’s definitely the biggest moment in my life."

Her trainer Peter Schiergen added: "The last race there was no pace, but today there was a good pace.

"It’s a good feeling. It’s very important for Germany and it’s very good for German racing.

"We’ll go to Baden-Baden (Grosser Preis Von Baden) next and after that we’ll go to the Arc."

Trainer John Gosden said of Nathaniel: "I’m delighted with him. I didn’t know which horse had won crossing the line and I was on the line.

"The winner has come back to her best. Anyone who was lucky enough to see her win the Arc last year, breaking the track record and destroying the colts, would know she is marvellous.

"She didn’t handle the ground at Saint-Cloud the other day and she’s come here and run a blinder, so full marks to her.

"Our horse has run his race quite brilliantly – I’m beyond thrilled.

"I can’t believe in two weeks he can run two races like that back to back. It’s quite impressive.

"I think I’ll suggest that Danedream now goes to the breeding shed!"