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AMERICAN wizard Wesley Ward’s trademark gleaming smile finally returned yesterday when Shang Shang Shang gave him his 10th Royal Ascot winner.

The trainer had been at a loss to explain the poor showings of favourites Lady Aurelia and Chelsea Cloisters on the opening two days.

In fact, he went to bed early on Wednesday to try to banish the misery and bring about a change in fortune.

It clearly worked as Shang Shang Shang, the only filly in the race, clung on by a nose from the fast-finishing Pocket Dynamo in the Norfolk Stakes. The victory came five years after Ward and winning jockey Joel Rosario first combined to win the contest with No Nay Never.

Ward said: “We were scratching our heads after the first two days. We did all the planning but things just didn’t happen. Thank God it did today . . . but only just.

“I went to bed early last night as I wanted to get rid of the bad luck of the first two days. But it all came together today and it was a beautiful ride.

“I knew Shang Shang Shang was better than Chelsea Cloisters on firm ground but not as good on soft ground. Winning 10 races here means a lot, especially as everybody has been so welcoming and gracious.”

Ward paid tribute to Rosario, adding: “He is fabulous. He has put the time and effort in, which is why he is here. He has won Derbies, World Cups, yet he was in every day breezing my two-year-olds all winter long.”

Rosario added: “It was a nerve-wracking finish and for a minute I thought they were going to get to me. She was very brave. It was very close at the finish but we got it done.

“It means a lot to me to have another winner at Royal Ascot. It is a dream come true.

“I’m really happy and blessed to be here.”