Mastercraftsman fought back to win the St. James's Palace Stakes by a neck on the opening day of Royal Ascot.The 5-6 favourite appeared headed for defeat on Tuesday as Delegator edged in front inside the final furlong (200m) but the Irish 2000 Guineas winner dug deep and pushed his head out at the finish.Ridden by Johnny Murtagh, Mastercraftsman was one of three runners for trainer Aidan O'Brien who was looking for a sixth success in the Group One feature."It was unbelievable, a great performanc
Mastercraftsman fought back to win the St. James's Palace Stakes by a neck on the opening day of Royal Ascot.
The 5-6 favourite appeared headed for defeat on Tuesday as Delegator edged in front inside the final furlong (200m) but the Irish 2000 Guineas winner dug deep and pushed his head out at the finish.
Ridden by Johnny Murtagh, Mastercraftsman was one of three runners for trainer Aidan O'Brien who was looking for a sixth success in the Group One feature.
"It was unbelievable, a great performance. He's an amazing horse with speed, stamina, and all ground comes alike to him," O'Brien said.
"It was a great performance from the horse and a marvellous performance from Johnny."
In the opening race, Paco Boy, trained by Richard Hannon and ridden by Richard Hughes, won the Queen Anne Stakes.
The races were attended by Queen Elizabeth II, who has been to every Ascot meeting since 1945.
The monarch, who arrived with the Royal family in their traditional carriage procession around the course, wore a golden yellow-and-white silk dress.