Upset Result in G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes Thriller

Tara Madgwick - Sunday July 30

The Group I King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1m4f) at Ascot overnight was billed as a generational clash with top three year-old colts Auguste Rodin and King of Steel taking on the older big guns and the race produced a thrilling finish as expected.

Epsom and Irish Derby winner Auguste Rodin was sent out favourite, but produced the worst run of his career and was never a factor, while Epsom Derby runner-up King of Steel fared better against his elders.

Advertisement

Hukum for Shadwell and Westover for Juddmonte go head to head - image Ascot Racecourse Twitter.

The son of Wootton Bassett tried gamely throughout to finish a distant third while the serious end of the race produced a hectic finish with Shadwell’s six year-old Sea the Stars stallion Hukum outgunning four year-old Frankel stallion Westover in a head to head duel.

"We felt he's never been better," said Hukum’s trainer Owen Burrows.

"For whatever reason he's shown a bit more speed and what a tough horse he is because—fair play to the second—he didn't lie down.

"What a race, what a spectacle. It lived up to the hype and I'm a bit hoarse from shouting, but what can you say about him—he's an absolute star.

"I can't put into words what it means. I just said to Sheikha Hissa (bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum) there, 'Thank you for giving us another chance.' He could have been whipped off to stud so credit to her for a very sporting decision and giving us that chance, and hats off to my team for getting him here in that shape."

It was the second Group I win for Hukum, who won the Group I Epsom Coronation Cup last year.

“I've always believed in Hukum and even last year I said to Owen this could be a King George horse - he's out of his brother's shadow now. It's a great training performance by Owen because he was off a year and in fairness to Sheikha Hissa she persisted with him to bring him back into training. It would've been very easy to retire him as a full-brother to Baaeed,” said winning rider Jim Crowley.

"She had faith and it's great, that was something special. Westover got first run at me but it gave me something to aim at. He was so tough, I never felt he was going to come off second best there. That's the best race I've ever ridden in - without doubt.”

Hukum has 11 wins from 17 starts and is the older full brother to Shadwell’s Champion Miler Baaeed, who retired to stud at the end of last year to stand at a fee of 80,000 pounds.

Hukum is the second Group I winner from stakes-winning Kingmambo mare Aghareed, a daughter of Champion US Turf Mare Lahudood.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Thursday September 4
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Mitchell McKenzie Colts Showcase
All eyes will be on the $175,000 Listed MVRC Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday with an intriguing field of nine colts and geldings all vying for that all important first stakes win.
Justify Mare Wins $250,000 Wyong Mona Lisa Stakes
A big field of 14 mares went around in the $250,000 Listed Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m) at Wyong on Friday and the race produced a thrilling finish with less than two lengths separating  the first eight over the line with Just Feelin’ Lucky taking the prize.
Grail Seeker Chasing Another G1
Top quality performer Grail Seeker will be heading in a new direction on Saturday when she attempts to add to her record at the highest level.
Ole Kirk share headlines strong September (Early) Online Sale
A share in - and mares in foal to - reigning Champion First Season Sire Ole Kirk are joined by a bevy of quality racing and breeding stock in the Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale, which is now open for bidding.
$1.65million Invincible Colt Hostility Resuming on Saturday
Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand on Proisir Plate Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, particularly in the age group features.
Will Macdonald Joins Astute Bloodstock
Astute Bloodstock is delighted to announce the expansion of our team as we continue to meet increasing client demand and pursue our Group 1 ambitions.
Corumbene Stud Mourn Loss of Treasured Mare
Corumbene Stud took to Instagram earlier today to announce the passing of their much loved broodmare Bahia, the dam of Golden Slipper winner Overreach.
Aussie Connection with Impressive St Mark’s Basilica Debut Winner
2021 European Horse of the Year St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) is at Coolmore Australia this spring and had an impressive debut winner at Ascot overnight with El Vamos powering clear of her rivals to win as she pleased.
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 AJ Moir Stakes
The Valley blasts into spring G1 action with the running of the $750,000 AJ Moir Stakes WFA at 1000m, and it's always an exciting spectacle when a full field of flyers are going full bore on the turning track!