A strong run in the final furlong saw Russian Emperor (100/30) get up and deny The Queen’s runner First Receiver (9/4 Fav) by half a length in the G3 Hampton Court Stakes over a mile and a quarter.
Russian Emperor was a second winner of the week for both trainer Aidan O’Brien and jockey Ryan Moore, following the success of Circus Maximus in yesterday’s G1 Queen Anne Stakes. It was also a landmark 60th success at the Royal Meeting for Moore.
Moore said: “He is a lovely colt, straightforward and with a good attitude. He was very professional; he has had the benefit of a couple of runs this year and let us see if he will keep progressing. He has a very good pedigree – his dam was exceptional in Australia. I think he will be a nice horse going forward for the rest of the year.”
Asked about the Derby, he said: “That will be decided. He will give himself a chance to stay, anyway.”
Asked about achieving a 60th Royal Ascot winner, he said: “You wouldn’t really give it any thought, would you?”
Frankie Dettori said of the runner-up: “First Receiver ran a bit fresh, but he ran a super race.”
Andrew Balding, trainer of the third Berlin Tango, commented: “Berlin Tango ran very well with a penalty. It was an excellent run from three good horses. He will go to the Dante next. A mile and a quarter is his trip.”
1:50pm G3 Hampton Court Stakes
- Sir Busker [drawn 6] Aidan O’Brien 3-9-00 Ryan Moore 100/30
- First Receiver [4] Sir Michael Stoute 3-9-00 Frankie Dettori 9/4
- Berlin Tango [5] Andrew Balding 3-9-04 Oisin Murphy 4/1
72nd Royal Ascot win for trainer Aidan O’Brien
60th Royal Ascot win for jockey Ryan Moore
8 ran
Time: 2m 5.86s
Distances: ½, 1 ¼
Tote Win: £3.55; Places:£1.50, £1.10, £1.60 Exacta:£13.40
