Royal Ascot: 5 things we learned on day three

Ascot dances to historic tune as Stradivarius delivers in breath-taking style.

Stradivarius was mighty in his date with destiny at Royal Ascot – here we reflect on five lessons learned on 2020 day three:

Best by far

Frankie Dettori celebrates a third Gold Cup win for Stradivarius
Frankie Dettori celebrates a third Gold Cup win for Stradivarius (Alan Crowhurst)

As if further proof were needed that Stradivarius was out on his own as the pre-eminent stayer of his generation, winning a third Gold Cup by 10 lengths cemented his place in the history books. His knockers will say he has never beaten a vintage crop – but the second, Nayef Road, was a convincing winner of the Sagaro Stakes and beat the others by eight lengths. For Stradivarius to come along so soon after four-time Gold Cup winner Yeats, the staying division has been blessed.

When the going gets tough

Conditions were testing on the third day of Royal Ascot
Conditions were testing on the third day of Royal Ascot (Alan Crowhurst)

After dodging the thunder showers on Tuesday and Wednesday, conditions turned testing for Gold Cup day. Some 18 millimetres of rain fell before and during racing – and while forecasts suggest not much more is due, the damage may already be done. It appeared to have a levelling effect on the straight track, though. For the first two days there was a distinct benefit to being drawn high, yet in Thursday’s finale Hayley Turner and Onassis came out of stall one.

Coming of age?

Trainer Roger Varian enjoyed a day three treble
Trainer Roger Varian enjoyed a day-three treble (Alan Crowhurst)

Newmarket handler Roger Varian has held a training licence for almost 10 years, and had the pleasure of training some great horses without breaking into the top echelons of the sport. A treble on day three will, however, propel him to a new audience. Ascot’s pictures are beamed worldwide – and the victories of Mountain Angel, Molatham and Khaloosy will have won him many new fans. He had already struck earlier in the week with Fujaira Prince, and still has Pierre Lapin in the Commonwealth Cup to come.

Stuff of dreams

Jim Crowley pictured after his fifth winner of the week - he soon moved on to six
Jim Crowley pictured after his fifth winner of the week – he soon moved on to six (Alan Crowhurst)

Jim Crowley had “only” ridden six Royal Ascot winners before Tuesday – by 4.15pm on Thursday he had doubled his tally. Another double on Molatham and the very impressive Khaloosy, both for Varian, maintained his advantage at the top of the table and ensured he will be very tough to catch. Yes, he is in a privileged position as Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum’s retained rider – but you still have to execute the plan. He only has two rides on Friday, but both Elarqam and Durston are favourites.

A new dimension

Oliver Cole (right) stands with Highland Chief and Rossa Ryan (left)
Oliver Cole (right) stands with Highland Chief and Rossa Ryan (left) (Alan Crowhurst)

Paul Cole is a Royal Ascot standing dish. He has trained winners at the meeting in the 1970s, 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s – and now after Highland Chief in the Golden Gates Handicap, the 2020s. That is some record, but of course the win this year was slightly different because his name has been joined on the racecard by that of his son, Oliver. The Coles were the first to record a winner under the new dual licence scheme, so it was only right they registered the first dual Royal winner. The only shame was Paul could not be there, because he was attending the funeral of a close friend.

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