3 minute read

Mutakayyef finished second to 11/10 favourite Ribchester in Royal Ascot's opening race, the Queen Anne Stakes, while Deauville took third place.

The William Haggas-trained Mutakayyef, a 5/1 shot, was a length and quarter behind the Richard Fahey-trained winner, with Deauville, trained by Aidan O'Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, a neck further back.

Jim Crowley, rider of Mutakayyef and the current champion jockey, said: "That was a good run - he just couldn't get to the winner."

Dr Jim Hay, part-owner of Deauville, said: "That was a fantastic run. He is a very flexible horse; probably nine furlongs is his perfect distance. But he needs it like today - he needs firm going, and he doesn't get it very often. No doubt Aidan [O'Brien] and the rest of the lads will have a chat and work out where to go next."

Deauville was dropping back in trip after finishing third in the 10-furlong Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh last time out.

There was a stewards' enquiry into the placing of the second and third horses, but the result remained unaltered.