Andrew Balding landed a blow in the British trainers’ championship as Mount Atlas caused a 33/1 shock in the Group Qatar Racing British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot on Saturday.

Progressive over staying trips this season, Mount Atlas crept into contention under P.J. McDonald and had to wait until the final furlong before finding room to deliver his challenge.

Queenstown (14/1) was resilient in front but had no response once Mount Atlas was in the clear. The winning distance was three-quarters of a length, with St Leger hero Highwayman (7/4 favourite) the same distance further back in third.

Balding said: “P.J. has given Mount Atlas an absolutely stellar ride there. We got out at just the right time – he does not want to hit the front too soon, and it has panned out perfectly. That is his style. He needs to be delivered late, and it could not have worked better.

“Mount Atlas is a very talented horse. We were taking a chance over the two miles, but he loves Ascot and P.J. gave him an absolutely brilliant ride. I am so thrilled, and it is so appropriate in those colours as well. I am just sorry my mother is not here – she has gone to watch a hockey match. She would have loved that because, obviously, she bred him.

“Mount Atlas has been on it all season and been a big contributor. I am delighted with P.J. It panned out great for him today because he had cover right until he needed to get out, so it could not have worked better.”

McDonald said: “These are the places where you want to be riding winners – and need to be riding winners. Obviously, I have got more years behind me than in front of me, but it is just great to be a part of this team. Like I have said before, the staff are probably the politest staff I have ever worked for. It is a great team.

“Andrew and Anna Lisa [Balding] put a lot of confidence in me, which gives you a lot of confidence moving forwards. To be riding nice horses, you need to be riding for a good stable, and I am very happy to be a small part of a huge team. I am also very happy to have a horse like him, because how brave was he in the final furlong.

“The way the race panned out for me, it opened up just at the right time and he was through the gap and on the line before he really knew what was going on. To be fair, it was tight between Ryan [Moore] and Doyler, and he answered for me. When I sat into him, he stuck his head in there and moved through.

“Andrew, Anna Lisa and the whole team at Park House have been so good to me these last few years, and that’s probably the best way I can pay them back – a Group 1 winner on Champions Day.”

Joseph O’Brien said of Highwayman: “He ran a good race and got a lovely run through. It was probably the end of a long year for him. There is lots to look forward to next year.”

Mount Atlas is a five-year-old gelding by Masar, who stands at Sunnyhill Stud in Kilcullen. He was bred at the Balding family's Kingsclere Stud and races for the Kingsclere Racing Club. His dam Highland Pass (by Passing Glance) won three races for Balding.

1.30pm Qatar Racing British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 1)

1 Mount Atlas (Kingsclere Racing Club) Andrew Balding 5-9-09 PJ McDonald 33/1

2 Queenstown (Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Westerberg) Aidan O’Brien IRE 6-9-09 Ryan Moore 14/1

3 Highwayman (John Ioannis Neocleous) Joseph O’Brien IRE 3-9-02 Dylan Browne McMonagle 7/4F

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