Stradivarius brings the house down at York in a thriller

The word legend gets thrown about a lot in sport. However, when it comes to Stradivarius there can be no question he deserves the tag.

With his powers seemingly on the wain having disappointed in the Ascot Gold Cup, John Gosden’s star stayer showed not just his brilliance, but true grit and determination to win the Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup at York.

A four runner affair, Stradivarius had a very worthy adversary in Spanish Mission, an extremely solid performer inthe staying division.

As the odds had suggested the race was between the two of them, having been led round by The Grand Visir they settled down to fight it out down the Knavesmire. And what a fight unfolded.

Locked together two furlongs out there was little to split them, and coming to the line Spanish Mission looked to be winning the arguement. However, Frankie Dettori pullled out all the stops and nearing the line managed to collar Andrew Balding’s charge in the final strides.

There will not be a bigger cheer at York this week as Dettori performed his trademark flying dismount. The roars came out from a hugely appreciative crowd treated to one of the great head-to-head battles this season.

It was Stradivarius’ 14th QIPCO British Champions Series win- the most by any horse since the Series’ inception.

John Gosden hinted that his stable star may go for the Doncaster Cup or head to QIPCO British Champions Day next.