KYPRIOS and Ryan Moore burst the Stradivarius Gold Cup bubble as Frankie Dettori suffered another Ascot nightmare.
Aidan O’Brien’s well-fancied favourite was given a peach by Moore who kept Dettori locked in as the field turned in.
Kyprios (nearside) fought off Richard Hannon’s Mojo Star with Stradivarius back in third
Try as he might, the Italian could not find a gap when it mattered and he was forced to bring Stradivarius round the entire field.
The crowd roared as the three-time winner finally found the clear but it was too little, too late.
Stradivarius’ trademark late kick was missing and it was Mojo Star who gave Kyprios the biggest fright.
The 13-8 favourite held on to land O’Brien his eighth win in the famous race.
Kyprios wins the Gold Cup!
Stradivarius just couldn't get up in time to challenge#ITVRacing | #RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/nkVqjs2D8G
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) June 16, 2022
Stradivarius was still given a hero’s reception when he arrived back into the parade ring.
Dettori thanked the crowd but soon said the eight-year-old was simply not the force of old.
He said: “He ran well, but I had the inside draw so I had to be careful what I did.
“The pace wasn’t strong and I had nowhere to go, I had to go all the way around and that cost me a little bit.
“I don’t think it would have mattered, I had plenty of time to get them, the younger horses just have the fresher legs on him now.
“I probably picked up half a length or so, the others hit the line better than me.
“It’s been a great era, he’s been a magnificent horse.
“He’s been a star but maybe it’s time to pass on the baton now.”
Ryan Moore picked up his second win of the week
Moore, winning the Gold Cup for the third time, agreed it was a messy race but thinks the best horse still won.
He said: “It was not the nicest race to ride in.
“I had to move him to the outside which I don’t like doing but I had no option.
“This was not a true test and I don’t think you saw the best of him.”
