Royal Ascot winner Harbinger has been given the go-ahead to take on Epsom Derby winner Workforce in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Their trainer Sir Michael Stoute said Hardwicke Stakes victor Harbinger will relish a return to Ascot on 24 July.

"He has come out of last week's race in good form and cantered this morning," said Stoute on Thursday morning.

"He deserves to take his chance and, as we saw on Saturday, he was well-suited to Ascot's galloping track."

Workforce broke the Epsom track record as he won the Derby by seven lengths for Stoute's fifth victory in the race.

Harbinger, who is owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, will be running in his first Group One contest.

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"We are all thrilled that Sir Michael is keen to run Harbinger in the King George and what a race it promises to be, especially taking on such an impressive Derby winner in Workforce," said Highclere racing manager Harry Herbert.

"This will be Highclere's first runner in the race and all of our owners could not be more excited at the prospect."

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