Brilliant Enable claims historic third King George

Gosden’s mare and Dettori ease to memorable victory at Ascot.

Enable produced another sparkling display to claim an unprecedented third victory in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes.

John Gosden’s superstar mare was narrowly denied in her bid to become the first three-time winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last season – and has been kept in training as a six-year-old with the primary objective of putting that right in October.

However, she first had the chance to make history at Ascot, having become only the third dual King George winner – after Dahlia (1973 and 1974) and Swain (1997 and 1998) – when getting the better of a pulsating duel with Crystal Ocean 12 months ago.

After delighting connections when finishing second behind Ghaiyyath on her reappearance in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown three weeks ago, Enable was the 4-9 favourite to claim her third King George – facing just two opponents in Aidan O’Brien’s pair of Japan and Sovereign.

Ridden by William Buick, last year’s surprise Irish Derby winner Sovereign cut out much of the running – opening up a significant advantage at one stage over Enable and Frankie Dettori and Japan under Ryan Moore.

However, it was clear rounding the home turn that the leader’s petrol tank was beginning to empty – while Dettori remained motionless aboard Enable and was even able to take a nonchalant look over his shoulder to see Japan toiling in behind.

Once given her head, Enable strode clear magnificently and passed the post five and a half lengths clear under her jubilant rider, with Sovereign filling the runner-up spot.

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Frankie Dettori John Gosden King George Festival

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