King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes Ascot 2007
The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes was first run in 1951. It was a race designed for the finest horses from the different generations and from different countries to compete over one and a half miles. The winner would be recognized as a true champion. This years race has a disappointing turnout, especially as Authorized and Soldier of Fortune have not been declared. There will only be one three year old in the field in Yellowstone which is Aidan O’Brien’s third string. There were no three year olds in 2006, only one in 2005 when it was run at Newbury, and none in 2002 and 2000. Dylan Thomas is a worthy favourite for the race on Saturday 28th July but it might be worth taking a chance with Youmzain who should be an each way bet. The going is going to be soft and the winner will need to stay beyond the one and half miles. Whoever wins I do not beleive they will be in the same league as some of the great champions that have won this race over the years. I have collated all the winners since 1951 and I hope you will see what I mean ! Those in capitals acheived a Timeform rating of 137 or more.
1951 Supreme Court, 1952 Tulyar, 1953 Pinza, 1954 Aureole, 1955 Viny, 1956 RIBOT, 1957 Monteval, 1958 Ballymoss who went on to win the Prix de l’Arc, 1959 Alcide, 1960 Aggressor, 1961 Right Royal, 1962 Match, 1963 Ragusa, 1964 Nasram II, 1965 Meadowcourt, Lester Piggott’s first of seven victories, 1966 Aunt Edith, 1967 Busted, 1968 Royal Palace, 1969 Park Top, 1970 NIJINSKY, 1971 MILL REEF, 1972 BRIGADIER GERARD, 1973 Dahlia, 1974 Dahlia again, 1975 GRUNDY and what a race with Bustino, 1976 Pawnesse, 1977 The Minstral, 1978 Ile de Bourbon, 1979 Troy, 1980 Ela Mana Mou, 1981 SHERGAR, 1982 Kalaglow, 1983 Time Charter, 1984 Teenoso, 1985 Petoski, 1986 DANCING BRAVE who went on to win the Prix de l’Arc and was voted horse of the year, 1987 REFERENCE POINT, 1988 Mtoto, 1989 Nashwan, 1990 Belmez, 1991 GENEROUS, 1992 St Jovite, 1993 Opera House, 1994 Kings Theatre, 1995 Lammtarra who had won the Derby and also went on to win the Prix de l’Arc, 1996 Pentire, 1997 Swain, 1998 Swain again, 1999 DAYLAMI, 2000 MONTJEU, 2001 Galileo, 2002 Golan, 2003 Alamshar, 2004 Doyen, 2005 Azamour and 2006 Hurricane Run.
For me this is the best race of the flat season in this country. It always falls around my birthday and I have attended Ascot many years for this particular race. With the poor turnout this year and the fancy admisson prices at Ascot I will be content to watch the race on the television. May the best horse win the race on Saturday. For the latest runners and riders visit the sporting life.
For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".