Bless Him got the better of Ronald R in the Britannia Stakes under straight-mile king Jamie Spencer as the far side dominated. Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot. Check out our race report, reaction from connections and free video replay.
17.00 Royal Ascot - Britannia Stakes
1st Bless Him 25/1
2nd Ronald R 16/1
3rd Tricorn 14/1
4th Indian Dandy 25/1
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Report
Michael Bell and owner Bill Gredley were denied a notable double in the wake of Big Orange's Gold Cup victory as Ronald R could not catch 25-1 winner Bless Him in the Britannia Handicap.
Trained by David Simcock and ridden by Jamie Spencer, Bless Him was one a small group to race on the far side of the track, sitting on the heels of the early pacemakers in the rider's usual style.
Making his break for the front with a furlong or so to run, Bless Him picked up well but had to stick to his guns as Ronald R was making ground all the way inside the final half a furlong, but was still half a length down at the line.
Tricorn, who also raced on the far side was third, with fourth-placed Indian Dandy the first home from the main group on the stands rail.
Reaction
Jamie Spencer: "He's a horse that's always trained lovely at home and it was our big hope that once he got into a race with a lot of pace on, he was going to be hard to beat.
"When I moved on him, he was very explosive. He went through a tight gap and I was in front plenty early.
"He was idling in front, but it's great for the Simcocks and Sheikh Fahad (Qatar Racing).
David Simcock: "It's very special having a winner here. It's what all the hard work at home is for.
"He's quickened up really well and Jamie will say he's got there too soon, but he's actually taken Ronald R's gap.
"He's a talented horse and that's enough. He isn't straightforward on the racecourse, but he's very talented and at home, he's great."
