The Gatekeeper closes the door on Ascot rivals

Champions Day winner for Charlie Johnston and Joe Fanning.

Charlie Johnston saddled a winner with his only runner on Qipco British Champions Day as The Gatekeeper ground out a deserved victory in the Balmoral Handicap.

Owned by Middleham Park Racing, the 25-1 shot was always in the ideal spot, up with the pace and on the far side of the Ascot straight.

Ascot specialist Ropey Guest and the Hayley Turner-ridden Docklands tried their hardest to reel in soft-ground loving The Gatekeeper, but Joe Fanning had a willing partner and he kept on stoutly for a one-length triumph in the ultra-competitive finale to Champions Day.

“We knew he would like the ground, I don’t know that it’s key to him but we knew he would handle it,” said Johnston’s father, Mark.

“I couldn’t help but note that front-runners have done particularly well today, so Mike Prince (of Middleham Park) said to Joe, ‘jump and bowl along’, which is what we tend to do anyway.

“I think that’s probably it (for the year), the owner is talking about the Lincoln for next year.”

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