Royal Ascot win for popular Pallasator

Qatar Racing celebrated its latest Royal Ascot winner on Saturday as veteran Pallasator won the Queen Alexandra Stakes.

Pallasator has been a revelation since joining Gordon Elliott's yard in Ireland last September, winning a charity race (beating the subsequent Grand National winner Tiger Roll!) under Norman Williamson, two hurdle races including a Gr. 2 and now the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Pallasator lined up as the 11/2 third favourite in the 16-runner Queen Alexandra, the longest and the final race of the five-day meeting, and he travelled beautifully in the race under Jamie Spencer, who was riding the 9-year-old for the first time. Oisin Murphy was on Qatar Racing's other runner, second favourite Count Octave.

Spencer sent Pallasator into the lead over a furlong out and, even though the enigmatic winner edged left a bit in front, the result was never in doubt.

Though Gordon Elliott had won the same race in 2016, he was making his first visit to Royal Ascot this year.

He said: "Jamie gave him a great ride. Sir Mark Prescott recommended he had a change of scenery so he came to me. He's here today and that's great.

"We'll have plenty of fun with the horse now."

Prescott, for whom Pallasator won a Doncaster Cup and a Henry II Stakes, both Gr. 2s, added:

"Mr Elliott has done a marvellous job and the change of scenery has made a difference.

"The horrible boy nearly threw it away but then changed his mind; they really have done a fantastic job with him.

"Sheikh Fahad bought him to stay in our yard, he's had him all this time so it's marvellous. That's why I came today, and Mrs Gregson, who owned him, is here, and Rosie [Jessop] who used to ride him as well, so all of the supporters' club is here and we're thrilled he won."

While Pallasator was already proven over almost the Queen Alexandra trip of two miles and six furlongs, Count Octave was going a mile further than ever before. He proved his stamina in no uncertain terms, staying on well and beaten only a short head for second by Renneti.