Hills makes Ascot Connection in Jersey

Dutch Connection claimed top honours in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot for trainer Charlie Hills and jockey Joe Crowley.

The three-year-old was a 14-1 shot having finished seventh in the 2000 Guineas and was never too far off the pace from when the stalls opened.

Dutch Connection quickened to lead inside the final furlong and although Fadhayyil was gaining at the finish, the Hills runner had enough in the tank to hold his father Barry's horse at bay by half a length, with Bossy Guest back in third.

Ivawood was the hot favourite for the seven-furlong Group Three having finished third behind Tuesday's St James's Palace winner Gleneagles in both the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Irish equivalent at the Curragh, but after being bumped, he weakened rapidly and was ultimately a big disappointment.

Crowley said: "It's fantastic to be here and riding nice horses.

"We got a lovely tow into the race, it was trouble free, and when I pulled him out he quickened up nicely. He was probably just idling a bit, but he's clearly a very smart horse and it's nice to get his head in front.

"I think this is his perfect trip and I'm grateful to get the ride on him.

"It's a very good division with Gleneagles. I think he'd probably stay an easy mile, but his best trip is seven.

"I ride for Mr and Mrs Hay who have horses with Charlie and that's how I got the ride."

Hills said: "That's very nice, it's a shame for dad as it's the last year he's training so it would have been good for him to get a winner.

"He's a really nice horse and bringing him back a furlong seemed to really suit him.

"It's massive to have a winner here, it can turn your season around, it's a global event now."

Looking to future options for the winner, Hills said: "He is in the July Cup. It's something we may have a look at, but we'll see how he comes out of it.

"Seven is his trip, but there aren't many races.

"We'll have a look at the Sussex. It's over an easy mile."

Barry Hills said of the runner-up: "The filly ran a marvellous race, she just met some trouble in running.

"She'll win plenty of good races, I'm sure of that.

"If I couldn't win it I'd rather Charlie did."