Royal Ascot 2019: Baghdad strikes again to win second King George V Stakes on the trot
BAGHDAD (7-2f) was just too strong under Ryan Moore as he landed his second King George V Stakes on the bounce.
The consistent colt narrowly held off the flying challenge of Ben Vrackie in a thriller.
It had to go to the judge, but in the end the margin of victory was just enough to crown Mark Johnston’s four-year-old the victor.
Punters would have had their hearts in their mouths, though, as he only just lasted home after taking the lead up with two furlongs to go.
Frankie Dettori, bidding for an eighth winner at the meeting, almost put himself in the record books yet again, galvanising Ben Vrackie (7-1) down the outside – but it was all too late.
Fujaira Prince (4-1) threatened to get involved up the inside but his challenge flattened out and he faded for third, as Corgi (7-1) boxed on for fourth.
Winning trainer Mark Johnston said: “I was worried for sure in the closing stages!
“The form of Mr Dettori this week. We had to go wide around the last bend and I imagine Ryan wasn’t totally happy with position.
“It’s fantastic for the horse. He fractured his cannon-bone when winning this last year and has only two starts since.
“We saved him for this a little bit and now it’s on to better things.”