Naval Crown just grabbed a 33-1 shock victory in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes as he turned the tables on stable-mate Creative Force (12-1) on the final day of Royal Ascot 2022 on Saturday afternoon.
Naval Crown had been second to his Charlie Appleby-trained stablemate Creative Force in last season's Jersey Stakes at the Royal meeting. But the places were reversed as the two four-year-old sons of Dubawi dominated the Group One sprint.
Although they were separated by almost the full width of the track, it was James Doyle's mount on the stands side who prevailed by a neck from Creative Force, who was ridden by Liverpool FC fan William Buick.
The Australian raider Home Affairs was sent off the 5-2 favourite, but he was a spent force midway through and the Godolphin pair were out in front. The Wesley Ward-trained American raider Campanelle (11-1), who had won the Commonwealth Cup over course and distance in the stewards' room last year, was up with the pace throughout and was eventually a neck behind the first two in third, although she couldn't be separated from another Australia raider Artorius (17-2), who dead-heated for third.
Trainer Appleby was having his fourth winner of the week at Royal Ascot and was provided with the perfect boost following the defeat of his Irish Derby and St Leger hero Hurricane Lane in the Hardwicke Stakes earlier in the day.
The Newmarket handler was delighted with both his horses who are likely to take each other on again in the Darley July Cup at Headquarters in three weeks time.
Appleby said: "There wasn't a lot between them at home. Will rode the winner in a gallop the other day and said there wasn't much between them. Both were in great nick, but Naval Crown is still learning about the sprint division and he was all at sea in Saudi.
"But he finished fourth in the Guineas and is a rock solid horse, and over that stiff six furlongs we saw his natural pace.
"James said he just needed to get to the rail, but the ground was quick enough for Creative. They are two Dubawis and as tough as teak. The July Cup is the obvious race for them, and I see no reason not to go for it.
"I'm just lucky to be in the position for these horses to come through my door. 2022 has gone well so far, but there is still a long way to go."
Winning jockey Doyle added: "I would be lying if I said I expected him to win today. We were certainly hopeful dropping him back in trip. He seems to be pretty quick. He was a hot favourite for a race in Saudi Arabia, but we had a sticky draw and he just ran off with me.
"Myself and Charlie had a chat about dropping him back and Naval Crown ran well in the Al Quoz when he was fourth. He's not short on speed, he was travelling nicely behind Home Affairs and he saw it out well. It's brilliant."
Artorius could take on the Godolphin pair again at Newmarket, with Henry Field, managing director of part-owners Newgate Stud, eager for a rematch.
He said: "He was huge, that is the style of the horse that he is. He didn't quite get there, but the trip away has done him the world of good.
"Sam Freedman is one of the most astute young trainers I have ever come across. Anthony (Freedman, joint trainer) and Sam have done a wonderful job with him.
"So as long as he comes through the race well, there is no doubt we will run in the July Cup in a few weeks.
"He could not have run any better, he has made us very proud, we would love for Australia for him to have won, but there is no question it was the run of the race.
"He is an elite talent and for all the owners, myself and Mr Teo it is a great thrill and just happy to be here."
Campanelle was running at the meeting for the third successive year, having won the Queen Mary in 2020 and the Commonwealth Cup last year.
Trainer Wesley Ward said: "I was watching from the box. It was tough to tell with all those horses. I was just elated it was such a big performance. I am very proud of her.
"The race went just as we hoped. She jumped well, and the speed has been doing well because of the weather conditions here. She would have preferred the going a little softer. She was out in front, she ran a beautiful race, there are no excuses."
Rohaan (18-1) got up to become the fifth back-to-back winner of the Wokingham Stakes (Handicap) and the first since Selhurstparkflyer in 1997-1998.
Under Ryan Moore, the David Evans-trained four-year-old came late and fast to collar Ed Walker's Popmaster (16-1) and the land the presitigious six-furlong sprint for a second time, scoring by three-quarters-of-a-length.
Rohaan came into last year's win in the Wokingham on the back of a fine success in the Group Two Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock Park. But he hadn't been in the same force since, being down the field in eighth on his latest start at York last month.
But back at a place he seems to thrive at he came from off the pace to weave his way through and score a shade cosily in the end. Popmaster ran a gallant race under Tom Marquand but had to settle for second. Jumby (12-1) was a half-a-length back in third with Mr Wagyu (28-1), who had been up with the pace throughout, a further length back in fourth and a veteran of these sprint handicaps, Summerghand (16-1), staying on a further length-and-a-quarter back in fifth.
Moore was bringing a magnificent seventh victory of the week and confirmed his status as this year's leading jockey – the ninth time he has landed the title.
Moore said: "On this horse I knew from two and a half out that he was coming right back to form and that he was going to win. He felt like the horse of old and all credit to David for getting him there."
Trainer Evans added: "Ryan knew what to do and instilled confidence into the horse. I felt from two out the result was never in doubt. It was a fantastic performance. He's a cut above them on his day. He's had his problems, but he was ready."
Chris Kiely, who co-owns Rohaan with Crystal Palace FC defender James Tomkins, saluted the effort of Evans to give him "the best moment of my life".
He said: "Dave the magician got him right and kept him ready. He said two weeks ago that Rohaan is absolutely flying. I don't know he has got him back. I thought we may have been too hard on him. This is the best moment of my life.
"I've had two kids and got married, but this is the best moment of my life. This thing was done three months ago."
