Fortune denies Dettori in Queen Alexandra Chiberta King narrowly prevailed in a tight finish to the Queen Alexandra Stakes to deny Frankie Dettori a fairytale victory on Shahwardi in the final race of Royal Ascot. Dettori had come close a few times this week but looked to hold leading claims on Alain de Royer-Dupre's seven-year-old. After initially looking beaten in the straight, Shahwardi's stamina really kicked in and he began to gain on Chiberta King and Jimmy Fortune. However just as though it appeared like Dettori was going to thrill the crowd, Andrew Balding's 8/1 chance gamely stuck his neck out and won by a head from the 3/1 favourite. Seaside Sizzler finished third, another length and a half away. Fortune said: "Ironically he normally makes the running but they went off very quick and it probably won him the race as I had to drop in. "It's a great way to finish the meeting, it's been a long time coming." Balding said: "We might try and come back next year, we bought him as a yearling and he's been such a good servant. "I'm delighted for the whole team as we've had quite a frustrating week." Chiberta King's success meant that Johnny Murtagh finished the week as Royal Ascot's top jockey with four winners. For good measure, Murtagh also had a winner as a trainer at Down Royal on the day.
