'The best day of my life' - redemption for Aurelien Lemaitre as French raider Big Rock blows away rivals

What a way to prove your doubters wrong. Jockey Aurelien Lemaitre had his critics at Glorious Goodwood in August but showed that experience did not leave a mark when blowing his rivals away aboard Big Rock in a high-quality running of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

The jockey cut a forlorn figure in the parade ring after his first ride at Goodwood. His mount Blue Rose Cen, a dual Classic winner in France, could manage only fourth in the Nassau Stakes after getting trapped on the rail. Some put it down to bad luck, while others claimed it was inexperience.

Either way, Lemaitre might have been forgiven for attempting to play it safe at Ascot but reward rarely comes without risk and his decision to make all aboard Big Rock proved to be an inspired one, even if it was a massive gamble against the likes of Paddington, Nashwa and Tahiyra. 

Big Rock set what many must have assumed was an unsustainable pace but he never really looked like being caught. Tahiyra attempted to reel in the leader but was unable to land a blow, leaving Lemaitre with the freedom to start celebrating several strides before the line.

"That was very easy," said Lemaitre. "He just loved the soft ground. He's a professional horse. He showed very good pace and a great turn of foot. It's fantastic to win a Group 1 at Ascot and I'm very happy. Big Rock is the greatest horse of my career and this is the best day of my life."

It was a first top-level win for Big Rock, who finished runner-up in Group 1 company in his last three starts, including behind Arc winner Ace Impact in the Prix du Jockey Club and Inspiral in the Prix Jacques le Marois in August. He began his season with four straight victories, including when landing the Group 3 Prix de Guiche at Chantilly on heavy ground in May from Horizon Dore, who finished third in the Champion Stakes.

"He was tremendous," said trainer Christopher Head. "He always does this – it's crazy. What a horse, what a season. He does very well on that type of testing ground, but that was incredibly impressive. What a horse! You're always a bit scared the rest of the field will catch up to you but he was always going faster and faster. We had faith because he's performed like this throughout the season. It's great for him to win a race like this."

Big Rock dominated before winning by six lengths, which Head said is not altogether out of character. 

Aurelien Lemaitre celebrates winning the QEII Stakes aboard Big RockCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He's really dominant all of the time," the trainer added. "Today was pretty much the best mile race of the season and seeing him win this way was great. We now need to decide whether he stays in training next year."

Sussex Stakes runner-up Facteur Cheval powered home to collar multiple Group 1 winner Tahiyra on the line for second and secure a French 1-2. The pair pulled clear of the rest of the field, with 40-1 shot Checkandchallenge finishing nine lengths behind her in fourth. 

"Tahiyra has run a brilliant race," said trainer Dermot Weld, who was concerned about the testing ground in the build-up to the race. "We're delighted with her, it's just the conditions over a mile are very testing. She didn't handle the ground, but she tries so hard. She's a brilliant filly. 

"She showed a will to win. Somebody had to go after the horse in front and she went after him. We'll see how she comes out of the race before making any decision on her future."

Paddington, who was sent off the 7-4 favourite under Ryan Moore, raced keenly but failed to pick up and finished ninth of 11 runners. The 2,000 Guineas winner Chaldean and runner-up Hi Royal filled the last two places.

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