Trained by Sir Michael Stoute for his owner breeder Sir Evelyn de Rothscild,
Crystal Ocean scored a length and a quarter win over Coolmore's star Galileo
mare Magical, who was gallant in defeat as the favourite.Winner of the Group II Hardwicke Stakes at this meeting last year, the five year-old was Group I placed twice last year and was in hot form coming into this race with Group wins at his first two runs back this year.
"He was very tough," said winning rider Frankie Dettori. "I decided I had to kick around the turn and get them all at it. He responded well and kept going, so I was sure it would take a good one to get past me."
Owner Sir Evelyn de Rothschild is keen that his homebred hero will get the chance to sire progeny of his own.
"When you look at his record he has been quite amazing," said De Rothschild. "I hope someone at some point will take him to a stud somewhere. I want to race him for the whole of this year and then I'll see if someone gets excited."
Crystal Ocean has the overall record of eight wins and seven placings from 15 starts and is a sibling to Group I winner Hillstar, Group II winner Crystal Capella and stakes-winner Crystal Zvezda from blue hen stakes-winner Crystal Star.
Crystal Ocean is the 11th Group I winner for Galileo's half-brother Sea the Stars, who was making news in Australia earlier this week when one of his daughters topped the broodmare section of the Inglis Great Southern Sale. Read about Queen of the World here.
