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Highland Reel dances away in King George

Highland ReelHighland Reel
© Photo Healy Racing

Highland Reel benefited from a brilliant front-running ride from Ryan Moore to claim top honours in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

Narrowly beaten by the reopposing Dartmouth in the Hardwicke Stakes at last month's Royal meeting, the four-year-old was a well-backed 13-8 favourite to gain his revenge and provide trainer Aidan O'Brien with a fourth King George success.

Moore sent his mount into a clear lead racing down the back straight before giving his mount a breather, which allowed the chasing pack to bridge the gap.

Highland Reel remained in front turning for home, however, and answered Moore's every call to score by a length and a quarter from Wings Of Desire.

Moore said: "He's a very good horse and won in America and Hong Kong.

"It's a marvellous achievement from Aidan to get him back in this shape to win this sort of race.

"He's a very strong horse. He's very professional - he knows how to race."

O'Brien said: "He had a lovely run here in the Hardwicke and we were delighted with him at home.

"The horse has been progressing all the time and we couldn't be happier.

"Ryan gave him a beautiful ride.

"This is an incredible horse. As everyone knows, he travels the world and he's getting better, which is amazing.

"Physically, the development is plain and, mentally, he's a rock.

"He can go back to Australia, he can do Japan, Hong Kong and there's the Breeders' Cup Turf.

"He's an amazing horse and has so many options."