Brilliant Enable battles to deny Crystal Ocean in pulsating King George at Ascot

Horseracing superstar Enable demonstrated astonishing guts and class to fend off Crystal Ocean, the highest-rated horse on the planet, in an epic King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes duel at Ascot.

Triumphing in her 11th straight contest and ninth consecutive Group 1, the brilliant daughter of Nathaniel showcased her typically immense attitude to scoop the race for the second time under Frankie Dettori for trainer John Gosden and owner Prince Khalid Abdullah.

The Andre Fabre-trained Waldgeist, who finished third to Crystal Ocean in the Prince of Wales's Stakes last time, followed the pair home.

Dettori, who has developed a remarkable partnership with the prolific mare, said: "I'm exhausted emotionally. Wow. She's obviously good but she's also very brave. I'm lost for words. What a great reception she's had.

"She's brilliant. The second [Crystal Ocean] is a great horse, I knew he was the one to beat. We gave the public what they came to see and they got a fantastic horserace.

Although it wasn't all plain-sailing for Enable, with Gosden, who was celebrating his fourth King George success, alluding to the difficulties she endured in the opening exchanges when failing to bag an advantageous track position.

Boy that was close: utter relief for Dettori after he and Enable toughed it out to win the King GeorgeCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Gosden said: "The draw clearly affected her. Frankie had to drop her back further than he wanted, but she carried him back into the race.

"She's a brave and wonderful mare, and what a great battle it was with Crystal Ocean."

Betfair took the stance to push Enable out to 7-4 (from 6-4) for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, with the wondermare poised to attempt a stunning hat-trick in the feature autumn Group 1.

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