ULTIMATE TRIUMPH THRILLS BURKE

BRITISH raiders dominated yesterday’s Group 2 Prix Robert Papin, but the prestigious juvenile contest didn’t fall the way of hot favourite Heartache. The impressive winner of the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot was strongly fancied to land a second Group race of the campaign, but a bump leaving the stalls immediately put Clive Cox’s filly on the back foot. She regained her composure to throw down a strong challenge in the final furlong, but it was fellow British challenger Ultimately who enjoyed a smoother passage to pick off front-running Frozen Angel and provide trainer Karl Burke with a morale-boosting big-race win. The stewards looked into the interference between Unfortunately and fourth-home High Dream Milena, but the placings remained unaltered. Burke said: ‘I’m relieved we kept the race in the stewards’ room. I’m not sure we would have done if the French horse had finished second. It’s a great result and I’m delighted for everybody. We had a bit of a sticky six months, but the horses are coming to themselves now and running well. ‘If he’d finished third or fourth I’d have been satisfied, but I’m not surprised he’s run so well. He’s a horse with a lot of ability.’

THE world’s top-rated racehorse Arrogate went from hero to zero in America on Saturday night. The Dubai World Cup winner could beat only one home as a massive 1-20 favourite in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap.