Stoute mastery in Lockinge as Mustashry strikes at top level at the age of six

Sir Michael Stoute proved once again that age is nothing more than a number as the 73-year-old produced Mustashry, no spring chicken himself at the age of six, to win a first Group 1 with authority in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes.

In a division crying out for a leader of the pack, Mustashry came to the fore with a comprehensive two-and-a-half-length defeat of five-time Group 1 winner Laurens, with last year's Queen Anne Stakes hero Accidental Agent a further half-length behind in third.

Victory put Stoute in a familiar position as he stood in the winner's circle for a record eighth time after the Lockinge, Mustashry bridging a 33-year gap to his first winner Scottish Reel in 1986 as he handed him a first win in the race this decade.

Despite his advancing years, the gelded winner was making just his 18th career start and again highlighted Stoute's long-term approach to nurturing his horses to the pinnacle, Mustashry having climbed the handicap ranks to peak at the highest level at an age when most are dropping down the divisions.

"We had a lot of encouragement last backend and his work in the spring had been good quality," said Stoute, who would have no problem waiting until Boxing Day before peeking into his stocking at Christmas.

"He hadn't come in his coat when we ran in the Earl of Sefton and I thought he ran a blinder under a penalty. He came home from there and has just progressed and progressed.

"I couldn't be positive he'd win the Lockinge but I thought he had a great chance and I would think the Queen Anne would be the right next move."

Worthy of the performance, Mustashry was shunted to the head of the betting for the opening race of Royal Ascot, although while as short as 3-1 with William Hill, BetVictor and Ladbrokes were less impressed at 7-1, a price that could look generous considering winning rider Jim Crowley's assessment.

"He feels different this year and the way he put the race to bed was very good," said Crowley. "I was able to get a good tow off Laurens and, when we moved upsides, I thought we were in business.

"We thought he was up to it and he's trained by a genius. Sir Michael is a great trainer and every year he brings horses on."

While Stoute and Crowley were centre stage, the trainer was quick to highlight the efforts of winning groom Jade Ransley behind the scenes, who has looked after Mustashry since he walked into Freemason Lodge as a juvenile and, judging by Stoute's admiration, can be found by his side almost 24/7.

"We knew he was in very good shape but Jade has made this horse," said Stoute. "She looks after him like no other could and puts a lot of work into this horse. He's had a lot of niggles over his career but I don't think we've ever had him in better form.

"You can't do it without staff like Jade – she is particularly dedicated."

Winning groom Jade Ransley is all smiles after Mustashry's winCredit: Edward Whitaker

Ransley, an integral part of Stoute's team for over eight years, was rightly chuffed with the performance of her pride and joy, who might be brave in battle but is nothing more than a big softy at home.

"He has his own quirks and is his own person," she said. "He's quite soft and definitely a girl's man! I've done everything with him since he was a baby and it's amazing to get here. It's just incredible – something you dream about."

Ransley will hope the dream continues at Ascot next month, although connections of the second and third were not giving up on turning the tables.

"She's going to be a force in this division," said Karl Burke, trainer of runner-up Laurens. "She'll come on a length or two and the Queen Anne is the plan."

Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer of Accidental Agent, added: "If he runs like that again then he's got another Group 1 win in him which is so exciting.

"All roads lead to the Queen Anne, we know he loves Ascot and this will bring him on in leaps and bounds."

Roll on Ascot.

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