Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Murphy denied a stellar double by the stewards
CAMPANELLE was awarded the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot following a dramatic stewards’ inquiry – having initially been beaten in a photo-finish by Dragon Symbol.
Winner of the Queen Mary 12 months ago, Campanelle was in the firing line throughout under Frankie Dettori, and while all her rivals were seemingly feeling the pressure in behind, Wesley Ward’s filly was still travelling well.
However, Oisin Murphy’s mount Dragon Symbol (4-1) quickened smartly and headed Campanelle, with the two then pulling clear.
With Campanelle (5-1) drawing back alongside Dragon Symbol, Archie Watson’s three-year-old began to drift to his right, carrying his rival across the track with him.
Murphy switched his whip into his right hand, getting his mount straightened up, and the two went at it hammer and tongs for the final half a furlong. There was little between them as they flashed by the line together, with Dragon Symbol a head in front before the inevitable inquiry was called.
The stewards took their time before announcing the revised placing, with Ward in no doubt his filly deserved the victory. He said: “Both horses ran fantastic, you can take nothing away from them, they dug down deep and were only inches apart there. I think it was a validated result as far as racing in the
States is concerned, they came all the way across the track. Archie Watson came over and shook my hand – he’s a true gentleman.”
Murphy soon had compensation, however, when Alcohol Free posted an emphatic Coronation Stakes success. Although Dettori looked menacing on Pretty Gorgeous, it was Alcohol Free (11-2) who could be seen powering home down the near side with an irresistible run.