• Horse Racing

King George joy for Danedream

Andrasch Starke celebrates winning the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes aboard Danedream © Getty Images

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The King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes was won by Danedream on Saturday, who saw off Nathaniel in a gripping conclusion.

Last season's Arc winner snatched victory right on the line to deny Nathaniel, who had drawn the very best out of his German-trained rival. Nathaniel had led from two furlongs out and battled right to the line, only to cede the advantage at the vital moment.

Third went to St Nicholas Abbey, who failed to respond as the field moved through the gears, while market leader Sea Moon was held up and never truly challenged.

Jockey Andrasch Starke 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."

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."

Richard Hughes rode the winner of the International Stakes, guiding Field of Dream to victory by half a length. Edinburgh Knight was forced to settle for second with Bertiewhittle third and Global Village fourth.

Jamie Osborne's Field Of Dream came from the back of the field to return odds of 25/1, with Hughes staying patient before displaying a superb turn of foot towards the stands' side.

Hughes said: "He was good today - he was in a good frame of mind. They went very fast and I was at the back just fiddling along. I passed three horses and he came on the bridle."

There was disappointment for the Queen in the Summer Mile, which saw Carlton House run out of the places in a tie for fourth. The Class 1 race was won in surprising circumstances by 33/1 chance Fanunalter, who clinched it by a neck from Pastoral Player.

Carlton House made a fine start and led with two furlongs remaining, but Fanunalter responded and had enough in the tank to see off the attentions of Pastoral Player.

Trainer Sir Michael Stoute commented on Carlton House: "He looked as though he didn't settle. Ryan [Moore] said he regretted not dropping him in. I don't know what we'll do now. We'll have to have a think."

There was also royal interest at Newmarket in the Aphrodite Stakes, although Set To Music failed to run in the 15.10 won by Hazel Lavery.

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