The drugs bust, the stun gun and the most extraordinary Royal Ascot finish
How Ile De Chypre losing his rider led to explosive claims in court
It was the Thursday of Royal Ascot, June 16, 1988, Gold Cup day. Racegoers were debating the controversial disqualification of Royal Gait, the Gold Cup's easy winner, and some were looking forward to the traditional sing-song around the bandstand that takes place after each day’s final race.
Royal Gait's loss had been Sadeem's gain, for Guy Harwood’s five-year-old, ridden by Greville Starkey, had been promoted from second place to first. The duo had a fine chance of doubling up in the closing King George V Handicap, for which their Ile De Chypre was 4-1 second favourite.
There were 18 runners for the mile-and-a-half contest but as the leader entered the final furlong there could be only one winner. Ile De Chypre was three lengths clear and going to win comfortably.
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