THE opening Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award Rous Stakes at Ascot, a listed event over the minimum trip, went to Michael Dods’ 11/1 chance Intense Romance, who was always there and held on bravely for Callum Rodriguez to deny Richard Fahey’s Mr Lupton by a neck.

The meant an all-northern finish, with Darlington edging out north Yorkshire. It also gave Dods the perfect start to the weekend, memorably completed by Mabs Cross, who landed the Prix de l’Abbaye at a similar price.