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| Staff Writer |
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Running Lion held off a late challenge from stablemate Laurel to claim victory in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot.
After an impressive win in Newmarket's Pretty Polly Stakes early last season, Running Lion had struggled to secure another win and finished last in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom on Derby day.
However, Oisin Murphy's mount triumphed over the round mile at Ascot with a well-judged ride, leading from the front and finishing two lengths ahead.
Laurel, trained by the father-son duo John and Thady Gosden, made a strong comeback from a long break, finishing second.
Their performance at Ascot will undoubtedly boost their connections' confidence, especially considering Laurel's extended absence from competition since the Lockinge at Newbury over a year ago.
John Gosden said: “This filly has been unlucky. She got heatstroke in the Diane, kicked the gates out at Epsom, was third in the Guineas. She hasn’t always been lucky.”
Murphy added: “Today, I had to have a bit of confidence to go out and do my own thing. When she broke well and she pricked her ears, I was happy to lead, and when she saved energy like that, she was always going to be hard to pass.
“I got a breather into her all the way through the turn, today I had the horse to do that. The freshness is out of her and she took the prelims.
“It’s great because David Howden bred her. He’s an official sponsor here, along with Qipco, he’s important, vital to British racing and he’s been rewarded this afternoon.”
Owner Howden said: “She gets her head down, she changes her legs and she digs in. Her sire, Roaring Lion, won his races exactly the same way.
“For Oisin to do it on Roaring Lion’s filly, Running Lion, is as good as it gets.
“We always knew she had it in her, ever since she won the Pretty Polly and left them standing. We knew it was there. This is why we do it, it’s just fantastic.”
As regards game runner-up Laurel, Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owners Juddmonte, commented: “It’s absolutely marvellous and we’re over the moon.
“Ryan said the winner just shifted a bit in front and cost us a bit of momentum but I think we were booked for second at that stage.
“If she comes out of it well, we will have a look at the Falmouth. This was only her sixth run, for a 5YO. She does have her issues, but she’s training great and is loving life. She’s having a good blow, so is going to tighten up, so we will aim for the Falmouth and see how we go.”
Trainer William Haggas said of third-placed Doom: “It was an excellent run and she got a bit of a knock on the turn, which knocked her off her stride, but she stayed on well.
“She certainly gets the trip well and handles the ground well and that gives us many more options.”
1st- Running Lion - Owner: Mr D P Howden - Trainer: J & T Gosden
2nd- Laurel - Owner: Juddmonte - Trainer: J & T Gosden
3rd- Doom - Owner: Mr James Wigan - Trainer: W J Haggas