Murtagh's third winner of week Forgotten Voice hit the winner's enclosure at Royal Ascot for a second time as he took the Wolferton Stakes under Johnny Murtagh. A lot of water had passed under the bridge since the 12/1 chance took the Royal Hunt Cup in 2009, but owner Paul Roy, the outgoing chairman of the British Horseracing Authority, was rewarded for his loyalty. "We had to patch him up for a couple of years, but we're more used to seeing him over hurdles lately - I think it was Aintree that we were at watching him last time," said Roy. "To be back here, with Johnny back on board just as he was four years ago, is amazing." At various stages of the final two furlongs, a number of his rivals appeared to be travelling better as the pace-pushing Fattsota began to give way. But Murtagh 's mount muscled into a gap between Labrinto and Otroman Empire at the furlong-pole and burst through to deny the staying-on Sheikhzayedroad and Bana Wu by half a length and a short-head. "At one stage, we were looking at retirement for him as he has had troubles with his legs, but we've been patient and he has turned into quite a good hurdler," said trainer Nicky Henderson. "He's a big strong horse and at one stage I thought we might be looking at giving him a break and sending him steeplechasing next season, but I don't think Mrs Roy was particularly keen on that idea and the plan to go to this race came about instead. Johnny said he just loved every minute." Murtagh was riding his third winner of the week.
