Harbinger storms to King George VI win

Harbinger romped to a stunning victory over his younger rivals in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

The four-year-old, one of three runners for Sir Michael Stoute in the race, powered well ahead on the straight under French jockey Olivier Peslier.

Nobody else could cope with his pace and the 4-1 shot came home 11 lengths clear in a new Ascot course record.

Irish Derby winner Cape Blanco was second but the favourite and Epsom Derby winner Workforce disappointed.

The early pace was set by another Stoute horse Confront and it looked like Cape Blanco and Workforce would be the big dangers just behind him.

But the winner, who claimed the Hardwicke Stakes at last month's Royal Ascot meeting and was racing in Group One company for the first time, was on their shoulders.

Once Peslier gently urged his mount to challenge, he quickly stormed clear of the rest of the field for one of the most impressive victories of the Flat season.

Peslier & Stoute overjoyed with Harbinger win

"The horse today is the king, he is a wonderful horse," Peslier told BBC Sport after the win.

"I knew he was very good, but today he was flying and won so well - he's very good.

"He travelled the way I wanted and he kept going, I didn't have to ask him anything.

"You can imagine how I felt in the last furlong when I saw the big screen and I could see the others so far behind."

Harbinger is now favourite for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Sunday 3 October.

Stoute added: "Olivier was just cantering, he travelled so well and he was looking good from a long way out.

"He was a decent three-year-old and was impressive in winning the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood. Then he had a blip in the Voltigeur, but he bounced back well in the John Porter this season and has progressed with each race this year."

Stoute also confirmed that Workforce's jockey Ryan Moore said the horse didn't switch off and the ground was probably quick enough for him.

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Ascot)
1. Harbinger (O Peslier) 4-1
2. Cape Blanco (C O'Donoghue) 9-2
3. Youmzain (R Hughes) 12-1
6 ran

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