Poet’s Word cracks it for Stoute
rather than confident as Cracksman had beaten us here last year in the Champion Stakes.”
As for toppling Cecil’s record, Stoute, 72, played down the achievement.
He said: “You know, Henry’s record was formidable as he accumulated those numbers when Royal Ascot was a fourday meeting, unlike the five days we now have.
“Henry was always a difficult competitor to beat as he proved over the years. We were great friends in our time at Newmarket. We are very glad it’s happened and it’s reflection on the means a lot.” Stoute has enjoyed countless memorable moments at the royal meeting. Estimate’s victory in the Ascot Gold Cup for the Queen in 2013 will never be forgotten by the 10-times champion trainer. “Also, obviously, my first Royal Ascot winner in the Jersey Stakes with Etienne Gerard in 1977 was very special,” said Stoute. “All great memories and I’m not ready to retire just yet!” James Doyle, the rider of Poet’s Word, said: “It was just a case of hanging on and in the back of my mind I knew this horse stays a mile a great staff. It and a half, so I still wanted to press the button early enough. He is so tough and fair play to everyone at Sir Michael’s.”
John Gosden, the trainer of Cracksman, was refreshingly honest in defeat.
“He was not exactly travelling at any stage of the race,” said Gosden. “I think we will have to now concentrate his mind. The winner cruised to him two furlongs out and he did not help Frankie at any stage.
“We will have to sharpen him up and get his mind on the job for the King George back here next month.”
Stoute enjoyed further success when Expert Eye came good to take the Jersey Stakes in the hands of James McDonald. It was a welcome change of fortune for McDonald, who was returning to the saddle after an 18-month ban for illegal betting.