Ribchester makes it a happy anniversary for sheikh

The recent upheaval at Godolphin was put to one side when Ribchester smashed the track record to deliver a Queen Anne Stakes victory on the 40th anniversary of Sheikh Mohammed's first winner in Britain.

His elite team under further scrutiny following the resignation of John Ferguson, it looked very much as though normal business had resumed as Ribchester destroyed a strong field for the Group 1 mile to put Godolphin on the board in the first race of the meeting.

"This is Royal Ascot, you win here and we're very happy," said Sheikh Mohammed, who was poured millions into racing since Hatta became the first horse to carry his colours to victory at Brighton on June 20 1977.

Ribchester wins with a bit in hand from Mutakayyef and DeauvilleCredit: Edward Whitaker

As Godolphin chief executive, Ferguson would have had days like this in his mind when he negotiated Ribchester's recruitment to the operation.

This time he was not at his former boss's side as Ribchester returned to the winner's circle under an elated William Buick, having swept aside the challenges of Mutakayyef and Deauville.

The winner's stablemate Toscanini set blistering fractions in front to open a clear lead at halfway but was tiring when Ribchester drew alongside a furlong out, carrying Ribchester left.

The 11-10 favourite eventually corrected himself but had not given any significant ground as he won by a length and a quarter in a time of 1m 36.60s that was 0.49s inside the previous best set by Integral three years earlier.

Sheikh Mohammed: a Group 1 triumph with Ribchester 40 years the day since his first victory in Britain with Hatta at BrightonCredit: Edward Whitaker

Buick said: "We were worried about the draw but we knew we had the best horse in the race and that was always going to make things easier. There's no substitute for that. I believe he broke the track record, but I believe he has more to give.

"He's a pretty awesome horse, he travels so well and sees it out so well, and Richard and Sheikh Mohammed have done so well with him. This is the biggest week in our sport and to wear the royal blue of Godolphin for Sheikh Mohammed is fantastic."

Sheikh Mohammed recalled his first win with Hatta, who was trained by John Dunlop, saying: "People were surprised when we beat the favourite but of course we had a better filly. From that day we moved forward. We didn't stop until now and we are enjoying it."

He said he would "sit and see" before deciding whether Ribchester would head for the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, for which he is 6-4 with Ladbrokes.

However, trainer Richard Fahey declared his preference. "The Sussex has got to be under consideration," he said. "The race he won in France [Prix Jacques Le Marois] is ten days after, so it's one or the other, but I like the sound of the Sussex."

The mile race could also feature on the schedule of the Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned runner-up, according to trainer William Haggas, who when asked if he plans to renew rivalries: "Absolutely, we'll be there for all the big ones."

Queen Anne Stakes result and analysis