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Elliott takes the Queen Alexandra with Pallasator

Jamie Spencer wins the Queen Alexandra Stakes on PallasatorJamie Spencer wins the Queen Alexandra Stakes on Pallasator
© Photo Healy Racing

The giant Pallasator claimed the Queen Alexandra Stakes, the final race of Royal Ascot 2018.

A former winner of the Doncaster Cup when trained by Sir Mark Prescott, the nine-year-old joined Gordon Elliott last year to embark on a belated jumping career in the hope it would revitalise a stayer who had displayed his quirks on several occasions.

The switch had the desired effect as Pallasator appeared totally reformed in Ireland and having won twice over hurdles during the spring, he was an 11-2 chance switched back to the Flat in this near two-and-three-quarter-mile contest.

Jamie Spencer’s mount travelled strongly on the heels of the leaders and although he wandered under pressure in the final two furlongs, he came home comfortably clear of 40-1 shot Renneti, trained by Elliott’s great rival Willie Mullins.

Mullins also saddled the 11-8 favourite Thomas Hobson, but he encountered traffic problems after being held up by Ryan Moore and never threatened to land a telling blow.

Elliott was enjoying his second Royal Ascot success, having saddled Commissioned to win this prize in 2016.

He said: “It’s the first time I’ve been here. I didn’t come the last time for my winner.

“Jamie gave him a great ride and fair play to Sheikh Fahad for sending him to me. Sir Mark Prescott recommended he had a change of scenery, so he came to me and he’s here today and that’s great.

“He’s been grand since he came to us. We’ll have plenty of fun with him now.

“He’s won today. I’ll talk to the owners and see what they want to do. I’d love to have a runner in the Melbourne Cup one day.”