STRADIVARIUS capped a magnificent season when coming out on top in a dramatic race for the Group 2 Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot.
Winner of the newly-inaugurated Stayers’ Million after four victories throughout 2018, Stradivarius completed a five-timer to confirm his status as the undisputed staying king.
Bravo the horse who has stayed a step ahead of his Cup rivals all season. ??
?? Yorkshire Cup ?
?? Gold Cup ?
?? Goodwood Cup ?
?? Lonsdale Cup ?
?? Long Distance Cup ?#Stradivarius #ChampionsDay #CupCracker pic.twitter.com/VUnhQRbRPd— Racing UK (@racing_uk) October 20, 2018
It was hard work, though, as he had to be brave to go through a gap for Frankie Dettori on the inside turning for home, which had been left by the pace-setting Flag Of Honour.
After seeing that horse off, Stradivarius appeared to leave Thomas Hobson a little short of room when Willie Mullins’ charge tried to sneak up the far rail in the final furlong.
However, Stradivarius (even-money favourite) would not be denied and the John Gosden-trained four-year-old crossed the line a length and a half to the good from the Irish raider.
Dettori said: “I had half a chance and took it, but you can only do that when you have plenty of horse. He’s been a model of consistency and owns the crown of being champion stayer – you can’t take it away from him. He’s all heart, this horse.”
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