3 minute read
Godolphin's Blue Point (6/4 favourite) became the first horse since Australian superstar Choisir in 2003 to win both the G1 King's Stand Stakes (5f) and the G1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (6f) in the same year with a sensational performance this afternoon.
Trained by Charlie Appleby, the five-year-old son of Shamardal ran out a head winner of the £600,000 six-furlong contest, defeating the fast-finishing Dream Of Dreams (12/1), trained by Sir Michael Stoute, by a head.
Doyle was registering his third winner of the week [Blue Point, G1 King's Stand Stakes] and a 9/1 double on the fifth and final day of the Royal Meeting following Pinatubo's 3/1 success in the Listed Chesham Stakes
This was Doyle's 13th winner at the Royal Meeting and he paid tribute to Blue Point, who has now won five of his six starts at Ascot.
Blue Point went close to breaking his own six-furlong track record at Ascot in today's contest, with a time of 1m 11.42s. His track record, set on May 3, 2017, is 1m 11.05s.
Doyle said: "Blue Point is a horse you only dream about having. He has really learnt what his job is about and he has got better and better with each race.
"He went down to the start today like an ultimate professional. He jumps, travels and does everything he wants you to do.
"Blue Point gave me an unbelievable feeling. I said to Charlie after his last piece of work before the King's Stand that I thought he was the quickest horse I have ever ridden, and he certainly is that.
"It got a little bit hairy late on. The other day I was able to do things by myself without any pressure, but obviously today Kachy [finished third] went a hell of a pace and this fella is so genuine that all he wanted to do was chase him down.
"I was at pains to give Kachy five lengths and tried to give him more, but I could not restrain Blue Point any longer. He just got a bit lonely out in front, but when he felt the other horse come, he stuck his next out - he's an amazing horse.
"I have never met a horse as tough as this, he is unbelievable. We definitely went quicker today than in the King's Stand and must have posted some serious fractions.
"Blue Point is a real star and has certainly stamped his stallion credentials now. What he has done is nigh on impossible and only two horses had done it. Today earmarks him as a real champion."
"It is incredible for him to win two races at Royal Ascot in a week. He is a highly trained athlete and when they are at the top of their game, they are capable of performances like this. To be fair to the horse, he did not have a real gut-buster of a race on Tuesday.
"The ground definitely dried out and that was in his favour. Full credit must go to Charlie and his team. It's disappointing for William Buick [fellow jockey] to miss out, but it's great to have him here today."
Godolphin's owner Sheikh Mohammed: "Blue Point is a very good horse. After he won on the first day, we said we would bring him back and see. For me, it was an easy decision because he is going to stud. I thought he was marvellous today. Good horses always give you great pleasure."
Sir Michael Stoute is eyeing the Darley July Cup at Newmarket on July 13 for his improving five-year-old Dream Of Dreams (12/1, Danny Tudhope) after he failed by only a head to catch 6/4 favourite Blue Point.
Dream Of Dreams had won a conditions race at Chelmsford and a Listed race at Windsor on his only previous starts this year, but in finishing two and a half lengths ahead of front-running Kachy he was running a clear personal best.
Stoute agreed and said: "It would have been nicer if there had been one more stride but we are delighted - it's his best performance. He's been progressing all year and he's in a good place. He'll go for the July Cup now."
He added: "He was running very well in Group races last year without winning one, but he's improved. He's become calmer and he's saving his energy. I'm a big fan of the jockey."
Tom Dascombe was thrilled with Kachy (33/1), who has run many of his best races on the all-weather but was second in the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot three years ago.
Dascombe said: "I'm delighted. He's been a super horse all winter on the all-weather but we were all disappointed with his fifth in the Temple Stakes. We couldn't really pinpoint why, but I think he was probably trying to go too fast over the five furlongs, so this was the plan, although we weren't really sure how he would run after that.
"He's run an absolute blinder and he's a lot happier when he's just left alone - by Richard [Kingscote], not the other horses. He jumped out two lengths in front like a Wesley Ward horse. He's so fast into his stride and after a furlong he's four lengths clear. Over six he's got so much early speed that they almost just let him go, whereas over five they are all with him."
Dascombe, who is likely to keep Kachy at six furlongs now, finished with words of praise for the winner and his connections. He said: "Blue Point is simply a better horse, so congratulations to Godolphin. What a fantastic feat for Charlie Appleby, and it's wonderful for James Doyle too, but you've got to feel sorry for William Buick."