Royal Ascot 2018: Michael Stoute sets record as Poet's Word beats Cracksman

By Frank Keogh

BBC Sport

Sir Michael Stoute became the all-time leading Royal Ascot trainer as Poet's Word shocked odds-on favourite to win the Prince of Wales's Stakes.

The 11-2 chance, ridden by James Doyle, was a clear victor from last year's Champion Stakes winner Cracksman (2-5).

It gave Stoute, who had been level on 75 wins with the late Sir Henry Cecil, a record 76th Royal Ascot triumph.

"It's a relief because we were stuck on it last year," said the 72-year-old Newmarket trainer.

Stoute, who drew a blank at the five-day meeting in 2017, paid tribute to his old friend and rival Cecil.

"Henry did most of his training when it was a four-day meeting, so I've had an advantage," said Stoute.

"No-one respected him greater than I did as a trainer."

Frankie Dettori on Cracksman, a son of the legendary Frankel, had been seeking another victory after an opening day treble but he was beaten by two-and-a-quarter lengths.

"He's not the same animal I've been riding in the spring. He was very lethargic," said Dettori.

Poet's Word was triumphing for Stoute 41 years after the trainer's first Royal Ascot win.

Kew Gardens (10-3) won the Queen's Vase under Ryan Moore in a 1-2-3 for Aidan O'Brien as the leading Irish trainer got on the board for the 2018 meeting.

O'Brien may aim Kew Gardens, who beat stablemates Southern France and Nelson, at the St Leger at Doncaster in September.

Kew Gardens wins at Royal Ascot — Kew Gardens won by four-and-a-half lengths

Trainer Marco Botti claimed his first Royal Ascot winner - thanks to Aljazzi, ridden by William Buick.

Aljazzi was a 40-1 chance when finishing second in this race last year, but obliged at odds of 9-2 this time.

There was a big-priced winner in the opening race for the second day running, with 25-1 chance Signora Cabello - trained by John Quinn - prevailing by a nose in a three-way photo finish.

Jockey Oisin Murphy punched the air as he got the verdict ahead of Gossamer Wings and Shades Of Blue, but favourite Chelsea Cloisters was never a threat for Dettori having drifted in the betting beforehand.

Looking ahead to day three

BBC horse racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght

With his record of success and a narrowly defeated second place, Order Of St George is obviously a key player in the Gold Cup (16:20 BST), and comes to Ascot in good order after two wins at home in Ireland, though this is harder.

Opponents like Stradivarius and Desert Skyline, first and second in the Yorkshire Cup, catch the eye in particular, especially the latter who'll relish the three-quarter mile step up in distance.

Wild Illusion should advertise the quality of the Oaks form in the Ribblesdale Stakes (15:40), while a decent run at rewarding odds can be expected from Kinks (16:30) for whom not a lot went right when it mattered the last time he raced.