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Oisin Murphy lands top jockey honours as Foxes Tales storms to Golden Gates win

Oisin Murphy celebrates after winning aboard Foxes Tales
Oisin Murphy celebrates after winning aboard Foxes TalesCredit: Mark Cranham

Oisin Murphy put on a masterclass aboard Foxes Tales to land the Golden Gates Stakes and claim top jockey at Royal Ascot.

The 13-2 shot was the fifth winner for Murphy, who shot up the rail from the rear of the field to take the win for the yard of Andrew Balding from Visualisation and Irish Legend.

The three-year-old settled in last but the race opened up perfectly for him with the main body of the field coming away from the far side rail.

There was a moment of concern as Foxes Tales drifted left across the course within the final furlong, but ran into thin air and spared Murphy the agony of another stewards’ inquiry.

Declan McDonogh and Visualisation, who had been tracking the leaders for much of the race, was able to close the distance to the line but was unable to catch son of Zoffany, who held on for a two-and-a-quarter-length win.

Frankie Dettori congratulates Oisin Murphy aboard Foxes Tales
Frankie Dettori congratulates Oisin Murphy aboard Foxes TalesCredit: Mark Cranham

Murphy said: "It’s beyond my wildest dreams. Ascot is a top place, the Olympics of our sport, so thank you to everyone who has put me on top of fast horses. It’s incredible.

"A winner for King Power Racing is just fantastic, they are huge supporters of British Racing, myself, and Andrew Balding, and to repay them on the big stage is massive."

The win solidified a remarkable week for the rider, who pushed two successes clear of Frankie Dettori and William Buick.

It was a bounce back to form for Foxes Tales, who struggled at Chester in the Dee Stakes last month but seemed to relish the switch to a more conventional track.

The victory also gave Andrew Balding’s team a fourth success of the week. The trainer was among yesterday's Group 1 winners with Coronation Stakes heroine Alcohol Free.


'Ryan weaved his magic' - Moore and Mullins team up again for another Queen Alexandra success

The talented Stratum stayed on powerfully to take the Queen Alexandra Stakes under a terrific Ryan Moore ride and provide trainer Willie Mullins with his third winner of the race.

The former Cesarewitch winner demonstrated his class in Britain's longest flat race and pulled clear from 40-1 outsider Calling The Wind to win by three and a quarter lengths, with last year’s runner up The Grand Visir a further half length back in third.

The win capped off a fine day for Moore, who completed a treble on the final day and took his tally to four for the week, one short of leading jockey Oisin Murphy.

Stratum: the Royal Ascot winner has strong claims at Galway
Stratum: a class apart in the Queen AlexandraCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

It was a third victory for Moore and Mullins in the final race of the royal meeting, having scored with Simenon in 2012 before the pair were at it again two years later with Pique Sous.

Punters latched onto the Frankie Dettori-ridden Falcon Eight and the Chester Cup scorer was backed into 7-4 just before the off, but he failed to land a blow and finished a disappointing 9th.

A delighted Mullins expressed his admiration for the three-time champion jockey and he said: "He came off the bridle probably just turning for home. I thought you just want to finish in the first four.

"When he got to the first four, Ryan has weaved his magic. It’s fantastic to have someone like Ryan Moore for when we bring over these type of horses."


Gosdens and Godolphin also land Ascot honours

John Gosden successfully defended his leading trainer title after gaining four victories to win the award for a third time and first since sharing his licence with son Thady at the start of this season.

Godolphin won the top owner award after finishing the meeting on three victories following Creative Force's final day success in the Jersey Stakes.


Read more on Saturday's action at Royal Ascot. . .

'What a filly' – Wonderful Tonight a Royal Ascot first for delighted connections

'She has everything you need to win an Arc and is a generous price'

Dream Of Dreams edges out Glen Shiel to finally get his Diamond Jubilee

Forget the G7 and President Biden - this is the serious business for Her Majesty (Members' Club)

'Hopefully he's not finished yet' - Rohaan continues his remarkable rise

'He could be a Guineas/Derby horse' - O'Brien excited by Point Lonsdale


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Published on 19 June 2021inReports

Last updated 19:43, 19 June 2021

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