LONDON: Battaash put two years of near misses behind him as he took the King’s Stand Stakes at the third time of asking on the opening day of Royal Ascot on Tuesday.
Jockey Jim Crowley and trainer Charlie Hills had found Blue Point too good in the past two runnings but with him retired Battaash put his 10 rivals to the sword.
It was the 5/6 favorite’s 11th career win and Hills also had the satisfaction of training the second Equilateral.
Liberty Beach filled third spot.
“He was really on his A game today I could tell he was going to be very hard to beat,” said Hills.
“I am looking forward to going back to Goodwood to win the King George for a fourth time.”
Crowley said that the early part of the race he was battling to restrain Battaash’s enthusiasm in case he wore himself out.
“Obviously it is his first run this season and he is fresh,” said Crowley.
“I was merely a passenger early on and trying to save something for the finish. It is nice to make it third time lucky.”
Crowley — champion jockey in 2016 — said his rivals faced a season of heartbreak.
“He is showing no signs of slowing down that is for sure,” said the 34-year-old.
“He has so much speed I would love to have a tow in races but it is just not happening.”
For his veteran lad “Big Bob” Grace Battaash’s win was also a first for him at Royal Ascot.
“I have been in the business for 38 years and prior to today had no Royal Ascot winners,” he said.
“He brought his A game today.
“No one can beat him — we have finally done it!“
Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II said Royal Ascot would “remain one of Britain’s finest sporting occasions” despite being forced behind closed doors.
The 94-year-old monarch is missing the five-day event for the first time in her 68-year reign.
The Queen, whose horse Estimate won the Ascot Gold Cup in 2013, watched on television from nearby Windsor Castle.
Despite no royal procession, the British monarch has maintained her tradition of writing the foreword to the racecard, sending her “best wishes to the thousands of racing professionals and enthusiasts who will join me in celebrating Royal Ascot this year.
“This year Ascot will feel different for many,” she wrote. “It is so often a chance for friends, families and colleagues to gather together and enjoy a shared passion.
“I am sure however, that with the valiant efforts of the organizers, owners, trainers and stable staff it will remain one of Britain’s finest sporting occasions and a highlight of the racing calendar.”
