Commonwealth Cup (Group 1)

THE most controversial finish of the week was reserved for Friday afternoon, with Dragon Symbol (Archie Watson/Oisin Murphy) passing the post a head in front of Campanelle (Wesley Ward/Frankie Dettori) after a truly titanic battle between the pair. But the placings were reversed after an enquiry found that Murphy had taken Dettori’s ground throughout the last furlong and a half.

It’s a shame that a Group 1 like this should need the intervention of officialdom, but in fairness, the demotion looked justified, even if the complex phrasing of the guidelines meant that punters didn’t know how to bet in the aftermath of the interference. The promoted winner was returned at 5/1.

It went largely unnoticed at the time, but Johnny Murtagh’s Measure Of Magic finished third, five lengths behind Campanelle, under Ben Coen.

The front pair drifted back into the centre of the course late in the day, but it’s notable that the first four were drawn 14 or higher, and the stands side may still be favoured on Saturday.

Favourite Suesa, from stall eight, could only finish mid-field, losing her unbeaten record in the process.

Excitement

The race produced great excitement throughout, and it was clear from a couple of furlongs out that Campanelle and Dragon Symbol would fight out the finish, and both deserve great praise for sticking to the task in conditions.

It was a welcome change of luck for trainer Ward, who brought what had looked his strongest team ever to Ascot, but had to endure frustration all week until the bing-bong sounded to confirm that last year’s Queen Mary winner had been awarded the race. Campanelle’s win was Wards 12th at Royal Ascot.

Archie Watson was quick to congratulate Ward at a time when he must have been bitterly disappointed himself which was a decent gesture. Ward confirmed that the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville will be Campanelle’s next target, and she should stay the extra half furlong given how she ran through the line here. He had provided one of the quotes of the meeting when waiting on the deliberation of the stewards, quipping: “In the US we’d have had our picture took (sic) and be drinking champagne by now,” and there’s little doubt that this result would have been amended in double-quick time on the other side of the pond.

Ward went on to explain how he was confident despite the ground: “This was Campanelle’s first run since the Breeders’ Cup. It was a gritty performance on heavy ground and, to come back from that, it is a true testament of how good this filly is. I actually thought the ground boded well for her chances.

“We weren’t sure about heavy ground, but we knew she liked soft ground.

“Winning at Royal Ascot is so special, especially with my children here from the onset in 2009, it has been so special. To have Campanelle ponied down by my first winner Strike The Tiger too means a lot. Royal Ascot has changed my life.

“If it wasn’t for Royal Ascot, my kids would be going to community college and instead my eldest son is going to law school in August.”