Horse racing

Olympic Glory gives Hannon and Hughes Ascot joy

ESPN staff

October 19, 2013

Olympic Glory motored home in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes © PA Photos

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Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes continued their remarkable season as Olympic Partnership stormed home to win the Queen Elizabeth II stakes on British Champions Day at Ascot.

The three-year-old edged through a narrow gap before sprinting well clear of Top Notch Tonto, who ran an incredibly impressive race to clinch second place ahead of Kingsbarns in third.

Well-backed 2/1 favourite Dawn Approach faded miserably in the final furlongs and finished fourth.

British-trained Farhh sealed a thrilling victory in the Champions Stakes, narrowly beating Cirrus Des Aigles and Ruler Of The World.

"He travelled like a dream, and like the winner, through the race," said his Brazilian jockey Silvestre de Sousa. "I was concerned but he's a marvellous horse and I'm delighted."

Injury had kept Farhh out of action until Saturday after winning the Group One Lockinge Stakes over a mile at Newbury in May. But he managed to hold off 2011 winner Cirrus Des Aigles by a neck.

Epsom Derby winner Ruler Of The World was another half a length behind in third.

"He's a great fighter - every year he has had problems but he's a great horse and I'm so happy," said trainer Saeed Bin Suroor. Farhh will now be retired to stud.

Earlier on Saturday, The Queen's filly Estimate could not add to her June Gold Cup win at the Royal meeting as it was well beaten in the home straight by, rather ironically, Royal Diamond in the Long Distance Cup. Jockey-trainer Johnny Murtagh continued his marvellous season as Royal Diamond pipped Harris Tweed, which run an incredible race in its own right, by a nose on the line. Eye of the Storm finished third for Aidan O'Brien.

Slade Power and Jack Dexter ran out a thrilling finish in the six-furlong British Champions Sprint Stakes, the former providing a battling performance to stay on well under Wayne Lordan. Viztoria held on for third.

Rank outsider Seal of Approval romped home in the final two furlongs of the Fillies & Mares Stakes, providing a 16/1 winner for punters and trainer James Fanshawe.

Breton Rock was victorious in the Future Stars Apprentice Handicap.