Mongan leads home Cecil 1-2 on Twice Over

Report: York, Wednesday

Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1) 1m2½f, 3yo+

TWICE OVER gave jockey Ian Mongan the biggest success of his career as he caught stablemate Midday in a Sir Henry Cecil-trained one-two finish to the Juddmonte International Stakes.

In the build upto the Group 1, Cecil had been at pains to point out that Twice Over, a three-time Group 1 winner and favourite of the yard, was no second string in the race.

The trainer stressed the decision to put stable jockey Tom Queally on Midday was a result of the two getting on particularly well and not an indication of the pecking order of his International pair.

Windsor Palace, however, was a definite second string and began his pace-setting duties by jumping off into a clear lead for his better-fancied stable companion Await The Dawn.

With half a mile remaining, the pack closed up on Windsor Palace with Await The Dawn moving up to lead between the Khalid Abdullah-owned pair and the three quickly went clear.

But Await The Dawn began to struggle under Joesph O'Brien and the odds-on favourite floundered as the pink and green duo surged towards the line together.

To begin with Midday gained the upper hand on her older rival, although as she did so, she began to drift toward the inner rail as Twice Over ran straight and true towards the winning post.

It was clear that Abdullah was going to win the race he sponsors for the first time, but with whom was still uncertain as the front two entered the final half a furlong.

Twice Over was gaining on Midday and he flashed past the mare with yards remaining to claim the honours.

Mongan said: "That was really special, I have to say a big thank you to both Mr Cecil and the Prince [Khalid Abdullah], to be a part of this is just brilliant. I didn't think we went that quick and perhaps Midday and Twice Over just have that turn of foot, he's a true champion.

"[Sir Henry] is a great man to work for and gives you confidence and belief and it means you got out there relaxed. I thought the race would be run to suit Twice Over and I'm delighted they both ran so well."

Cecil was winning his third International and paid tribute to Twice Over and Mongan.

"He's a marvellous horse and a great friend," the trainer said. "The Prince has always wanted to win this race. I'm so pleased Ian won a Group 1 at York, I have always had a lotof faith in him."

Twice Over and Midday could now join Frankel on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot on October 15, where the two of them could clash again in the Champion Stakes.

"I think definitely [Twice Over will run atAscot]," Cecil added. "Maybe Midday if the ground was right would go too. If the ground had been faster [today] I think Midday would have given Twice Over more of a race."

Aidan O'Brien put forward the lack of a recent run as a possible excuse for Await The Dawn, who finished third.

He said: "It was deadish ground and it's been a good while since he ran at Royal Ascot. Perhaps I should have got a run into him or taking him away for some work, but I don't want to take anything away from the first two."

He added: "America [the Breeders' Cup Classic] was the long term plan but it's a good way away yet."