THERE WERE NO surprises at Royal Ascot today, as the 11-8 favourite Fame and Glory secured the Gold Cup for trainer Aidan O’Brien.
The horse, ridden by Jamie Spencer, gained victory despite Geordieland taking the lead with a furlong to go before quickly losing it again, burning out in the race’s dying stages.
The Godolphin-owned Opinion Poll, saddled by Mickael Barzalona, came second while Brigantin finished third.
Some commentators had questioned the horse’s level of stamina prior to the race, particularly as it was the first time it had ridden more than a mile-and-three-quarters, but Fame and Glory silenced the critics by comfortably lasting the two-and-a-half-mile trip.
It is the fifth occasion in which O’Brien has won the Gold Cup, having previously secured the trophy four times in a row between 2006 and 2009 with Yeats.
The Ballydoyle trainer praised all involved following the three-length victory, saying: “I’m delighted for everybody, delighted for Jamie (Spencer), who gave him a great ride.”
Very few mile-and-a-quarter Group 1 winners run in the Gold Cup. [But] when horses have so much class they can often stay.
Spencer also praised the horse, describing how it was a “very easy push-button ride for me”.
It was O’Brien’s 33rd win at the Berkshire festival, meaning he is now joint fourth in terms of overall wins secured at the event by current trainers.
Bookmakers have already put odds of 3-1 on Fame and Glory winning the Gold Cup next year.
