Triple Time causes 33/1 shock in Queen Anne Stakes

The Royal Ascot curtain raiser was won by veteran rider Neil Callan, trainer Kevin Ryan and Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, as Triple Time fended off the challenge of Inspiral, Light Infantry and Modern Games to land the Queen Anne Stakes.

33/1 runner Triple Time pulled his way to the lead after sedate opening exchanges; but the pace was clearly well judged as he managed to maintain that advantage all the way to the line.

Speaking to the Sporting Life post-race trainer Kevin Ryan said: “He got stomach cramp just before the Lockinge and we had to take him out, he’s only had one ordinary run and that was in France in deep ground. Apart from that, when he came back from his little injury at Haydock he was 80 per cent fit, we had to run him because we were running out of time.

“Hopefully we’ll now have a full season with him, he’s got his Group One and it’s great. I’m delighted for all my team and Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, he’s a big supporter of us. He’s so patient and I’m delighted to get a big one for him, especially here.”

He went on: “He’s up there (with the best I’ve had), he’s very good.

“He’s got a massive stride, he has to use it and as long as you can get him to control it over the first two (furlongs), the rest of the race was then pretty relaxed.

“We knew we had him as good as we could get him with out a run, it’s paid off.

“We’ve got today out of the way and now we can make a plan.”