3 minute read

The well-backed Docklands ruled supreme to give Harry Eustace another taste of Royal Ascot success in the Britannia Stakes on day three.

The progressive son of Massaat absolutely bolted up over course and distance on his handicap debut last month and defied a 14lb rise in fine style to complete the hat-trick.

Harry Eustace and Hayley Turner teamed up for Royal Ascot glory last season and the pair were once again jubilant in their celebrations this afternoon.

Docklands could always be spotted travelling strongly in the near side group and Hayley Turner appeared to be sitting quietly entering the final two furlongs. The danger soon appeared on the opposite side of the track as New Endeavour hit the front on the far side. However, it was the Harry Eustace-trained colt who proved the stronger of the pair in the closing stages as the 6/1 market leader went on to score by half a length.

Big-priced horses filled the placings with 50/1 shot Urban Sprawl back in third and Thunder Ball (66/1) back in fourth.

Eustace said: "It was obviously a big performance. He hinted at his ability last time, although the ground was obviously the biggest query for everybody today, but he's relished it. He was good and it was lovely to watch.

"I think it was more the way he went through his race last time that gave us a little bit of confidence to be able to just ride him a bit more quietly today. There would have been a natural bit of learning last time, being first time in a handicap.

"He's always been pretty good, and we've always liked him, so we did come in full of confidence, although Chasing Aphrodite yesterday [last in the Royal Hunt Cup] just put me back on my haunches a little bit.

"He'll stay a mile and a quarter in time, when we go that far. We'll have a chat with connections, but I don't think there's any rush at the moment.

"Terry Henderson of OTI Racing has been a supporter of mine, and of my brother's in Australia, from the get-go, really, and to be able to repay him with a Royal Ascot winner is very special.

"It's always a team effort, but it's a family business as well. Having my brother here from Oz, and my cousin, aunt and uncle - it's very, very special. You can't ask for more."

Turner said: "I am so thrilled for Harry and the team. They have really come through the ranks in the last couple of years. Michael [Vockins] who looks after the horse has done a great job and he was spot on for the race.

"I thought I had my side beaten, but I knew there was one on the far side and I just had to keep my horse going forward on his own. I honestly didn't know until they called the photo whether I had won or not because the two horses were so far apart.

"It's such a thrill and today a lot of history has been made, so to look back on today is amazing."

She added: "I've had four Royal Ascot winners in recent years from about 19 or 20 rides. Someone put it on Twitter that I had a better strike-rate than the other jockeys so I re-Tweeted it and shared it – it might not last long, but I'm embracing it.

"I cannot believe it, but he [Docklands] gave me such a great ride. He's still quite lightly raced and it was a big field today. Last time it was a bit easier for him and he's still learning the ropes. I wanted cover and got him right in amongst them - when there are horses all around them and they're not used to it they can get a bit lit up, but it's another thing he'll learn from and hopefully take another step forward.

"I now need 17 for my 1,000th winner. Being part of this day has been pretty cool. I rode for Harry yesterday [Chasing Aphrodite in the Royal Hunt Cup] and we quite fancied the horse - and he finished last. Racing keeps you grounded that way - you have days like this, but also disappointments.

"My dad has just had a knee operation so will be watching from hospital, while my sister was here yesterday and made a mark - in the car park! It's quieter today, but Docklands is so popular in the yard and half of them are here."

Roger Varian said of New Endeavour: "He ran really well and didn't quite win. He won his side well. He's a lovely horse."